Home Is Where the Heart Is (23 page)

‘That’s lovely,’ Brenda said, then with a shiver added, ‘but maybe not when there are clouds gathering. It looks like rain and the wind is whistling towards us under the canal bridge. Time to go home, I think.’ As a spatter of rain began to fall right on cue, Brenda spun around. Unfortunately, her foot slipped on the damp path, and she might well have fallen had not one of the boatmen busily tethering his boat nearby, managed to catch her.

‘Whoops, take care. We don’t want another accident.’

‘Sorry, silly me,’ Brenda said, thanking him.

Cathie added her own thanks, then asked, ‘What do you mean by another accident, has there been one already today?’

‘Nay, not today, thank goodness, but a young lass was found a month or so ago under a bridge on the Rochdale Canal. She must have fallen in and drowned, poor soul.
So do take care how you walk on these slippy towpaths. And learn to swim, just to be safe.’

‘Goodness, and there was me thinking canals were lovely safe places,’ Brenda said, giving a wry smile as they walked on. ‘But after what you and that boatman have told me, I can see they are not at all safe. Fortunately, I can swim. How about you?’

Cathie shook her head. ‘Never felt the urge to learn, but maybe I should. In fact, Heather and I could learn together at the Corporation Baths on New Quay Street.’

‘Good idea. I’ll come with you and teach you.’

This became one of their regular weekly jaunts, sharing the cost of threepence for the baths, and twopence for a towel, since money was still a little tight. Cathie felt deeply grateful to have a good friend like Brenda, even if her other one-time friend, as well as her fiancé, had betrayed her. At times she would stand staring bleakly out over the bombsites as sadness swamped her. Their on and off engagement had been an absolute nightmare, and all because of that dratted war. Now, her hopes for marriage with the man she’d loved were quite dead. Alex had cheated on her, used and abused her, then attempted to deprive her of this precious child for unspeakably selfish reasons.

There could be no question of her ever forgiving him for such callous behaviour. However sad that made her feel in her heart, their relationship was most definitely over.

But then Cathie would watch little Heather chuckling as she played, and her heart would swell with love and
happiness. The little girl would shout, ‘Mummy, look,’ chuckling with delight as she showed off something she’d built with her bricks, or drawn with crayons, or how she could make her precious teddy dance across the rug. Cathie could barely let the child out of her sight. Marriage, she decided, was most definitely not for her. But what did that matter when she had this adorable child to love and cuddle?

I
t was early August and Cathie had called in at the Co-op on her way home from work one Friday afternoon to do a bit of shopping, as she liked to do. It was a hot, sultry day and she was trying to decide whether she could afford to buy a tin of salmon to go with the salad for tea. It was a miracle to see such an item on the shelf, as shortages were still common. Would it ever end? ‘We have tins of tuna if that price is too high,’ a familiar voice behind her said.

Whirling about in startled delight, she could hardly believe her eyes. ‘Steve, is it really you?’

‘I’m afraid it is.’

She felt an urge to give him a hug, but managed to restrain herself. ‘Oh, how lovely to see you again. I thought you were working for a printers’ in Birmingham.’

‘I was, but now I’m back.’ He laughed.

‘You’re looking well,’ she told him, feeling a strange shyness ripple through her at the sight of his smiling face. He looked different somehow, no longer as pale or as thin as he’d been when last she’d seen him, nor his blue-grey eyes quite so bleak.

Mr Leeson, the manager, came to stand beside him, giving him a playful slap on his shoulder. ‘Hello, Cathie, it’s good to see your old friend again, eh? I remembered what you told me about that fight not being Steve’s fault, so I’ve given him his job back.’

Steve grinned. ‘Actually, it’s only for the summer, as I’ve gained myself a place at a teacher training college, starting September.’

‘Oh, Steve, that’s wonderful. I’m so pleased for you.’ The joy that had exploded within her on seeing him began to instantly fade as Cathie realised this meant he would be leaving again soon.

He glanced about him. ‘Where’s little Heather?’

‘With Brenda at the flat.’

He frowned. ‘Not with your husband then?’

‘Ah, I think you are a little out of date on my news.’

‘Can’t wait to here it.’

They went to sit in their favourite café just a few doors down to enjoy a cup of tea while Cathie filled him in on recent events. ‘I can’t say I’m surprised by what you’ve told me,’ he admitted, when she reached the part where Alex had written an anonymous letter to children’s services accusing her of immoral behaviour. ‘Although I’m seriously appalled and angry on your behalf, particularly for his betrayal. I always thought the chap was a liar, so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s also a cheat and a fraudster. Think yourself fortunate to have found out before he actually put a ring on your finger.’

The mention of a ring brought back the memory of her bumping the pram into that dear old man on Oldham Street, and she smiled. ‘Certainly not a wedding ring, and I gave him his engagement ring back. So yes, you’re right, life would have been much more difficult had I been stupid enough to marry him. What was I thinking of to be so naïve?’

‘Love does strange things to people,’ he said, with a wry smile.

‘I suppose that’s true. What did you mean when you said you knew that he was a liar?’

‘Ah, well, the fact is that I saw him with another woman in the Pack Horse one night.’

Cathie blinked as she stared at him in shock. ‘Who was it?’

‘No one I recognised.’

‘It could have been his sister, Thelma.’

Shaking his head, Steve said, ‘It obviously wasn’t, as he was kissing her quite thoroughly, and not in a way a man would kiss his sister.’

Cathie’s heart plummeted yet again. ‘Then it must have been Davina. So why didn’t you tell me?’

‘In retrospect, I can see that I probably should have done, but I wasn’t sure it would be the right thing to do at the time. You were very defensive of him as you quite rightly felt you were helping Alex to recover from the traumas of war. However, he lied about that too.’

‘In what way?’

‘He may have been stationed in the desert out in Egypt, but not on the front line. He was a cook in the mess tent. I found this out when I met one of his old mates at the British Legion. Ryman resented being treated as a mere labourer, but apparently had no hope of promotion because he was deemed to be a coward at heart. He wasn’t even a good cook, spending most of his time peeling potatoes, chopping veg and scouring pans.’

Cathie stared at Steve in stunned silence for some seconds. ‘But he’s a bully who feels the need to be in control.’

‘Bullies are often cowards when faced with real danger. That’s why they enjoy lording it over women whom they view as inferior, or they attempt to make them feel as if they are. In my opinion that shows how little he really knew you,’ he said with a grin, leaning closer so that Cathie could feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek, which sparked a ray of happiness to light up within.

‘It’s true that he did seem to rob me of my confidence with the way he gave orders and attempted to control me, behaving rather like a sergeant major at times. He was constantly demanding my pity while making out he was traumatised from fighting, not peeling spuds. Lord, what a fool I’ve been. I should have questioned him more, although we women are advised not to do that. So how did he come to find himself in such a menial position?’

‘Apparently he never made any effort to improve his skills, being far too self-obsessed to care about others, or take any risks.’

‘So his father was right about him. He’s certainly a puzzle,’ Cathie admitted. ‘For some time I’ve been wondering where he’s getting his income from, since as far as I’m aware he still doesn’t have a job.’

‘Really? That’s interesting. Judging by what he told the Co-op manager, I have some suspicions on that score, which may or may not be correct. I’ll make a few enquiries on the quiet and see what I can find out. Now let’s stop talking about that idiot. Tell me more about yourself, and this new job of yours.’

He was gazing into her eyes so deeply that Cathie felt as if her heart was doing cartwheels. ‘Oh, it’s great to have you back, Steve. I’ve missed you so much.’

‘That’s good to hear,’ he said, the husky tone of his voice resonating within her. ‘I’ve missed you too.’

‘But you’ll be leaving again soon, I take it?’ she asked sadly.

Giving a throaty little laugh, he gathered her hands in his to give them a gentle squeeze. ‘As a matter of fact the course is right here at Manchester University, so I’m going nowhere.’

‘Oh, I’m so glad.’

Outside, in the blistering August heat, Alex stood growling to himself as he watched the young man grasp Cathie’s hands in such a loving manner. What right did he have to touch her? The thought of some other man’s
hand possibly caressing her breasts made him grow hot with rage. Cathie belonged to
him.
She was his property. Admittedly, they were somewhat at odds right now, but he fully intended that to change. He would win her back one way or another, or at least savour the delight of her body if he failed to do so. He deserved that much, at least.

He certainly wasn’t interested in her stupid mother. Rona was now proving to be something of a problem, blaming him for losing her daughter’s company, and, more importantly, her help around the house. She even kept insisting that he should leave. What complex creatures women were.

As for this idiot, his presence in Cathie’s life had always been a hindrance. How infuriating that despite having successfully scuppered the fellow’s job at the Co-op he was now back, no doubt hell-bent on creating yet more havoc. Alex decided that he’d make bloody sure Allenby regretted coming back home and didn’t stick around too long.

Savouring a beer at the Pack Horse, he went over various possibilities of how he could achieve this. Much as he’d like to strangle the chap with his own tie, engaging in another fight held no appeal. But there were others ways of dealing with him, maybe by getting the damn fellow arrested.

Alex had built himself some useful connections among the dock workers, and as the Co-op had large quantities of goods delivered straight from supply depots at the docks, including meat, which was still in short supply, he could very easily arrange for orders to this particular shop to be
cut down, or even go missing altogether. As nothing had gone wrong before Allenby had returned, it should be easy enough to lay the blame on him. With the right word in the right ear, he could ensure that Cathie’s old friend received his due comeuppance.

Later that evening, when darkness fell, he walked over to the docks to make the necessary arrangements. He knew he could trust these new mates of his, as they were poorly paid and would lose out on a large share of the deal if they ever revealed what was going on. Alex smiled at his own cleverness. Revenge could be so sweet.

Cathie and Steve quickly fell into a routine of meeting up regularly, even though he was not currently engaged in any charity work, since he was about to start a teaching course. They would enjoy the odd evening at the Crown on Byrom Street, often known as the Top Hamer, named after the lady who had owned it back in the thirties. Cathie never felt she could stay long as she’d left Brenda in charge of little Heather, but it felt good to spend even a little time with him, and to find their friendship flourishing.

There was the odd occasion when he didn’t turn up, as promised, and feeling far too embarrassed to enter a pub alone Cathie would wait outside for a little while, then sadly go back to the flat alone. She would feel deeply let down as just seeing how fit and well he was now, and
really quite good-looking, filled her heart with joy. The next time he would be there as usual, apologising for not being able to come before but giving no indication about what exactly had kept him away.

She did once risk asking if something was troubling him.

‘To be honest, there is. I’ve been put in charge of sending and receiving deliveries and something is going wrong. There are too many occasions when we don’t receive the right quantities of goods in an order, but I can’t quite put my finger on why that is.’

‘Where are these orders coming from?’ Cathie asked.

‘Our supplier down at the docks. I’ve had a word with him and he insists they are all sent out correct: meat, fruit and veg, everything. He seems to be accusing
me
of getting it wrong, but I’m no idiot and do check that we receive the required pounds of potatoes we ordered, shoulders of lamb, sausages, pork chops or whatever.’

‘Might it have something to do with shortages?’

‘I thought that might be the case at first, yet time after time the actual quantity delivered does not match the amount charged on the invoice.’

‘Oh, dear! That won’t do you any good at all, Steve, having already been sacked once from the job.’

‘I’m fully aware of that, and did go to see the boss at the warehouse, which resulted in a blistering row as he furiously defended his staff. I wish I could work out exactly what, why or who is getting these orders wrong. Anyway, how are things with you?’

Their friendship developed over the days and weeks following and they became increasingly close. Steve would often pop into the flat for a chat, although sometimes it would simply be to apologise that he couldn’t make it for their usual meet-up, and, as Cathie knew he was having difficulties, she didn’t like to press him. She was always glad to see him, and the moment he walked in little Heather would run to grab him with a squeal and a giggle, as he was always ready and willing to happily play games with the toddler. One evening. he even offered to babysit when Brenda and Cathie expressed a wish to see Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in
The Big Sleep
at the flicks.

‘He’s so kind,’ Cathie said, as they walked off together arm in arm.

‘He’d stand on his head for you, darling, but it’s him you should be going to see this movie with, not me.’

‘Don’t say that. I’ve no wish to get involved in anything serious right now, perhaps never again.’

Brenda burst out laughing, her round face a picture of good humour. ‘That’s a big decision to make at just twenty-three. I can’t quite see you living as a nun for the rest of your life.’

Cathie found herself giggling at this too. ‘So what about you, Bren? Have you anyone in mind?’ And, as the smile slid from her friend’s face, she wished she hadn’t asked.

‘Maybe one day,’ she said, after a long silence. ‘But like you, I’m in no rush.’

The following Friday when Steve asked if she’d like
to go to flicks with him, Cathie couldn’t resist accepting his offer. Sitting beside him in the dark of the cinema did bring to mind the occasions she’d been to the Gaumont with Alex, and how instead of watching the movie he’d spend most of the time kissing and petting her. Now, she and Steve sat side by side without even glancing at each other, let alone touching, which made her feel slightly disappointed. Perhaps he didn’t see her in any other way but as a friend.

He asked her out the following Saturday too, and she gladly accepted, but then he backed off at the last minute, which greatly disappointed her.

‘Sorry, but something urgent has come up that I have to deal with.’

The number of occasions when he let her down seemed to be increasing. Too often he would fail to turn up, or else leave early. A suspicion began to grow in her mind that Steve too might be having an affair with someone. Could it be with Brenda? Surely not. Her old friend was only too aware how devastated she’d been by Davina’s betrayal. Brenda would never be so unkind or cruel. Then who might it be?

Cathie reminded herself that she should stop fussing as she greatly valued Steve’s friendship, even if that’s all it would ever be. Whether she wanted it to develop into anything more was a question she didn’t feel ready to answer just yet, so he was perfectly entitled to have a proper girlfriend. They weren’t a couple as such, only friends.

And maybe she was feeling a bit low because having been deserted by her father, and not receiving the proper love and care from her mother, this had created a sense of insecurity in her. Cathie felt no regrets over leaving Alex, although the way he had treated her hadn’t helped. So perhaps she was just unable to ever trust a man again, despite a strong desire to find someone to love and care for her.

Cathie was beginning to worry about her mother. Was Alex taking advantage of Rona too? Feeling the need to know the answer to this question, she left her a note, suggesting Rona join her on Saturday afternoon in Peel Park for a walk. Now there she was, seated beside the statue of Queen Victoria in front of the Salford Museum and Art Gallery. They say that the old Queen suffered badly from loss and family problems too, Cathie thought as she strolled over, so maybe it was an aspect of life one had to accept.