East End Angel Part 15

'They're the ones to watch. Handsome is as handsome does.' Polly Wright nodded sagely. 'My Stan was a good-looker in his day, the mean selfish git.'

Matilda gave her a look. 'Must've been a bleedin' long time before I knew him then, Pol.'

Kathy was aware of the women quietening to watch her approach. Now she was almost upon them she felt unsure how to get Matilda on her own. The little group expected her to blurt out what was on her mind because there was obviously a reason for her turning up out of the blue. But Kathy was reluctant to tell Ruby's problems to all and sundry.

'h.e.l.lo there, Kathy.' Matilda gave the young woman a welcoming smile, taking pity on her predicament. She guessed Winnie's daughter wanted a private word with her and could guess what about too. That brother of hers was playing with fire and Matilda reckoned Winnie had no idea how badly the little tyke might get burned if he didn't quickly wise up. 'I like your dress. Got it out one of them fancy stores up west, did yer?' Matilda asked. 'Bet it cost a packet.'

'No ... it was a bargain.' Kathy felt grateful that Matilda had broken the ice. 'It's only off the market. Petticoat Lane ... loads of stalls to choose from over there.'

'That's a good market,' Beattie chimed in. 'I've been to it meself a few times. Knocks Chapel Street into a c.o.c.ked hat. Get a better bit of fruit and veg 'cos it's on top of Spitalfields, ain't it?'

'Talking of veg, I'd better get off home and peel a few spuds fer Reg's tea,' Matilda said. 'Got time for a cuppa, Kathy? 'Spect yer over this way to visit your mum, ain't yer?'

As Matilda and Kathy moved away, the trio left behind looked disappointed to have lost the chance of a gossip and soon dispersed.

'Would your friend like to come in for tea?' Matilda nodded at the car.

'Oh ... no ... he's fine where he is, thanks all the same.' Kathy realised Matilda and the other women too would be naturally curious about her companion. 'He just offered me a lift.'

'Right y'are ... He seems familiar to me ... not sure why ...'

Kathy darted a glance at Matilda, noticing the woman had her narrowed gaze on Nick. He'd slunk comfortably down in the seat and appeared to be dozing with his hat tipped forward, s.h.i.+elding his eyes from the afternoon glare, a cigarette smouldering between his lips.

'Oh, you might recognise him, actually,' Kathy blurted, remembering something Nick had told her months ago. 'I think he knows your nephews.'

Matilda frowned in concentration. 'That's it. I've seen him in the pub with Rob and Stevie, if me memory serves, 'cos it was a while ago.'

An opportunity to discover more about Nick Raven's past had unexpectedly arisen. Kathy tried to block out her curiosity with thoughts of Ruby's plight but as she followed Matilda towards her doorway the desire increased to ask questions about Nick.

After the blinding Indian summer sunlight the dank hallway of the house seemed gloomier than usual. Matilda led the way towards the rickety stairs, gesturing to Kathy to mind the holes and splinters on the treads as they proceeded up them. The higher they climbed the more Kathy wrinkled her nose against a stale odour of cabbage and damp.

It might have been a few years since Matilda had seen Nick Raven drinking in the Duke with her nephews but the fellow had a presence that wasn't easily forgotten. She'd asked Rob about his blond friend and learned that her nephew thought Nick was a decent bloke despite the fact he often grabbed work Rob wanted. Matilda was proud of her entrepreneurial nephew who ran a small business empire in north London. Nick Raven had a similar outfit in the East End, Rob had told her, and sometimes they worked together rather than as rivals.

Rob Wild had also told his aunt that Nick had started off on his solo career following an enviable stroke of luck. Prior to that he'd been sc.r.a.ping by as a lorry driver. Matilda hadn't enquired too much about it: she knew that such windfalls often came via dodgy means. Her nephew hadn't got where he was being a saint. Matilda had got the impression that Rob admired his friend for outwitting somebody higher up the pecking order and making a packet in the doing of it.

Matilda had spent most of her adulthood in the Bunk living hand to mouth. Tales of people dragging themselves up by their bootstraps to better themselves heartened and fascinated her rather than making her envious. She remembered muttering 'good luck to him' on hearing of Nick Raven's change in fortune.

But there was something bothering her. Rob had also mentioned Nick Raven had recently got married and that the blus.h.i.+ng bride was already expecting.

Matilda opened the door to her room, still brooding, ushering Kathy inside. She didn't think Kathy Finch was the sort to mess about with married men so perhaps Nick was just a friend giving her a lift. On the other hand, Matilda tended to be a cynic where the opposite s.e.x was concerned: most men married or not could be liars and cheats when trying to get pretty young women into bed. Nick Raven might be a nice enough fellow to do business with but it was possible the randy git hadn't owned up to Kathy that he had a wife and family indoors. If Kathy questioned her, she'd willingly tell what she knew. Matilda tended to side with the women; when times were rough they were the people who stuck by you, offering practical help instead of sulking in the pub.

'Take a seat, luv.' Matilda gave the kettle a shake then put it to boil on the hob grate.

Kathy looked around. There was a lot of furniture crammed in the room but few places to sit. The battered armchair had a load of old newspapers dumped on the seat and the bed, shoved up against the wall, was strewn with clothes and other odds and ends. There were two stick-back chairs at the table and gingerly Kathy pulled one out and sat down.

'How are all your girls, Matilda?' Kathy politely enquired. 'Expect you've got loads of grandkids by now, haven't you?'

'Can't hardly hear yerself think when my lot get together Christmas-time.' Matilda turned about to answer Kathy, grinning proudly. 'Lovely it is to see 'em all over at Alice's. We always have a good knees-up, Boxing Day.'

While Matilda rattled cups and saucers together Kathy took a look about. It had been five years since she'd entered the Keivers' home, yet oddly it looked the same. She remembered the spotted old mirror hooked on the wall and the mantel cluttered with oil lamps and frilly candle stumps. On that previous occasion, she'd come calling on Lucy, one of Matilda's daughters.

Matilda put a cup of steaming tea in front of Kathy then sat down opposite. 'So ... what's on your mind, luv?' she asked. 'Could see something was troubling you soon as you turned up outside.'

Kathy frowned into her tea, marshalling her thoughts about Ruby and a few questions to ask about Nick Raven.

'About Tom, is it?' Matilda kindly prompted. The young woman appeared unsure how to begin.

'Tom?' Kathy echoed. Matilda's concerned expression made her heart plummet. 'Oh, no ... what's he done now?' The subject of Nick's background fled from her mind.

'Put me foot in it, ain't I?' Matilda took a sip of tea. 'Wouldn't have said nothing to worry you, Kathy, but I thought you might have heard rumours and come round to find out what Tom and Davy have been up to.'

'What have they been up to?' Kathy wailed. She was already wondering if she ought to stop off round the corner and see her family after all, before heading back to the East End.

'Seems Tom's getting involved in Mosley's youth cadets,' Matilda announced. 'You know nuthin' gets past Beattie. She's seen him and Davy over Hackney way where her sister lives. They was wearing them black s.h.i.+rts and standing around with the Fascists on their soapboxes.'

Kathy's jaw dropped. 'Tom?' she barked an incredulous laugh. 'Over Hackney? A Fascist? Beattie must be mistaken!'

'Not sure that she is, Kathy.' Matilda gave a sorrowful shake of the head. 'Tom and Davy were seen throwing a stone through the winder of the shop the Belgians own round in Blackstock Road.' Matilda paused. 'Didn't see 'em doing it meself but the winder's broke all right 'cos I've seen it boarded up.'

'Does my mum know?' Kathy whispered.

'Not seen Winnie in weeks, and I wouldn't say nuthin' about it to her anyway. She might be of a mind to let Tom carry on. Lots of people are for the Fascists and it ain't fer me to tell 'em their business.'

'Tom's risking getting himself arrested so he won't be sitting down for a while if they know about it.' Kathy shoved agitated fingers through her hair. Her father would go berserk if the coppers turned up and got a glimpse of the hooky goods stored in the back bedroom.

Matilda regretted giving Kathy something else to fret on. She'd looked as though she had enough on her plate as it was so changed the subject. 'Have you seen yer mum today?'

Kathy simply shook her head too stunned to speak.

'My nephew Rob reckons Nick Raven's a nice chap, I remember him telling me that.' Matilda kept talking while Kathy found her tongue.

'I know he's married,' Kathy said.

'Well, it's good that he's honest. Rob told me about his wife and family, so I ain't going to play dumb on that score.'

'He's not got children ... he told me that ... and he's getting divorced.'

'Right ... well perhaps Rob got it wrong,' Matilda said. She took a gulp of tea. 'On the other hand, I don't think I need to tell a smart gel like you that sometimes men tell you what they think you want to hear.' Matilda laid a rough palm over Kathy's hand, gave it a pat when she saw her colouring up. 'Just thought I'd say me piece 'cos perhaps Winnie ain't yet had a chance to give you her advice.'

'I've got a boyfriend already. His name's David and he's a policeman.'

Matilda withdrew her fingers. 'Well ... there you are then ... don't need my opinion after all. Another cuppa?' She shoved back her chair about to get up.

'There was a reason I came over to see you, actually,' Kathy said. She raised her troubled eyes to Matilda's kindly face.

'Ask away,' the woman invited, settling back into her seat.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO.

'The accommodation would need to be very cheap. I won't speak to Ruby till after you tell me there's a chance of a room.'

Matilda had sat frowning while Kathy recounted the tale of Ruby Potter and her violent thug of a husband.

'How's the poor cow gonna pay the rent with no work and no man to help out?' Matilda asked, ever practical. 'Won't get no cheaper rates than the Bunk but it still costs to live here.'

'I can lay down ten s.h.i.+llings in advance.' Kathy had a small amount of savings and would willingly use them to try to keep Ruby and her children out of harm's way.

'You'd use yer own money on her?'

Kathy nodded, feeling awkward. She didn't want to seem to be acting the martyr.

'Well ... if you can be generous, reckon I can too,' Matilda said gruffly. 'Got a spare room here that's going begging. Thought about renting it out but never did.'

'What about your husband?' Kathy asked, surprised. 'Reg might not want to share your home-'

'He won't kick up,' Matilda interrupted. 'He's got a good heart when it comes to little kids.'

Kathy had not dared to hope it would be so easy. 'If Ruby agrees to move, I'll pay you for your trouble, promise ...' she blurted.

'You won't, miss!' Matilda stood up, her eyes suspiciously misty. 'You wouldn't know her 'cos you'd have been toddling when she died ... but my younger sister, Fran, G.o.d rest her, was married to a pig like the one you've just told me about. Me brother-in-law was always using his fists on his wife and kids.' Matilda turned towards Kathy, sniffing. 'Rob and Stevie Wild are his sons nothing like him, though. Favour my Fran, both of 'em ... they always did.'

'Did he beat her up very badly?' Kathy asked, shocked to hear Matilda's younger sister was dead, and fearing the worst.

'Oh, yeah ... nearly killed her once ... Oh, see what you mean,' Matilda said. 'No, he didn't do for her. Fran weren't gonna let Jimmy Wild see her off any more than I was.' Matilda used her knuckles to dry her eyes. 'Spanish flu got her in the end in 1919.'

Kathy knew that such stories of family violence were fairly commonplace amongst London's poor. Ruby's plight was by no means unique but the Potters were the people Kathy felt compelled to help.

'You ask this Ruby what she wants to do then.' Matilda pointed at a connecting door. 'Got a bed in there for her and the kids, if she wants it, free of charge till she sorts herself out. Ain't the Ritz, by no means ...'

Matilda suddenly burst out laughing at the comparison and Kathy joined in, giggling hysterically until they were both wiping their eyes and the solemn atmosphere had lifted.

'I'll speak to her ... and thank you so much.' Kathy stood up, having composed herself after her mirth. 'Best get off now. I suppose I ought to see Mum after what you've told me about Tom. He's getting to be a b.l.o.o.d.y nuisance!'

'You take care of yerself, dear.' Matilda began clearing away the tea things into the tin bowl.

Kathy was at the door when Matilda said, 'Yer mum and dad are proud of you, Kathy, ain't they?'

Kathy nodded bashfully.

'So they f.u.c.kin' ought to be,' Matilda said with feeling.

Kathy emerged from Matilda's hallway into late afternoon warmth and headed straight across the road. Nick had got out of the car to stretch his legs and was pacing aimlessly, apparently undisturbed by a trio of youths who'd appeared to gawp at the Alvis.

'Matilda has offered to give Ruby and her kids her back room rent-free.' Kathy rattled off her news as soon as she reached him.

'Nice of her,' Nick answered.

'Do you mind if I pop in after all and see my parents before we head home?' Kathy asked. 'Matilda's just told me that my brother has been acting b.l.o.o.d.y daft. I'd better find out if Mum and Dad know what's going on.'

'And if they don't?'

Kathy shrugged, shook her head hopelessly. 'I suppose I should tell them. I don't want to gra.s.s him up but if he's not been arrested yet he might be soon, then that will set the cat among the pigeons.'

'What's he done?'

'Apparently, he and his pal are getting involved with the Fascist cadets.' Kathy shrugged bewilderment. 'Doesn't sound like Tom, but Matilda's not one to exaggerate. He and Davy Wright were spotted throwing stones at a foreigner's shop window in Blackstock Road. Now it's boarded up.'

Nick grimaced in sympathy, opening the car door for Kathy to get in.

'If you drive up to the first junction, I'll direct you towards the house.' As they pulled off, Kathy wound down the window to let some fresh air into the car's hot interior.

They had turned into Paddington Street when Kathy spotted her brother and Davy Wright huddled against the wall, smoking.

'There he is! What a stroke of luck.' Kathy's lips tightened into a grim line. 'Would you pull over so I can have a word with him?'

Tom Finch cussed beneath his breath when he saw his sister jump out of the car that had stopped at the kerb opposite. 'Kathy's turned up,' he hissed to Davy, dropping his half-smoked cigarette and stamping on it.

'Ain't scared of her, are you?' Davy mocked, deliberately blowing smoke towards Kathy as she hurried across the road.

Tom had heard his father making complaints about Kathy knocking about with a Yid copper. From what he could see of him, Tom didn't reckon the fellow behind the wheel looked Jewish; nevertheless he feared it was David Goldstein. 'Watch out! That must be her boyfriend with her, and he's a rozzer.'

That information wiped the smirk off Davy's chops. 'Bleedin' h.e.l.l! I'm off home,' he muttered, strutting towards Campbell Road and avoiding looking at the car as he pa.s.sed it.

'I've been talking to Matilda Keiver,' Kathy announced as soon as her brother was in earshot.

'Bully for you,' Tom mumbled, keeping an eye on the fellow in the car. He had a feeling he was about to hear Kathy knew he'd been causing trouble.

'You've been seen hanging about in Hackney with the Fascists and breaking windows round in Blackstock Road,' Kathy accused, watching her brother for a sign of guilt. She soon got it and gestured in exasperation. 'Have you been arrested? Do Mum and Dad know what you're up to?'

'That old cow Keiver wants to mind her own business,' Tom snarled.

'You're lucky Matilda told me instead of telling Mum and Dad.' Kathy grabbed her brother's arm, hauling him back as he tried to sidle away up Paddington Street. 'They don't know about any of it, do they?'

'I suppose you've blabbed to him, have you?' Tom jerked a nod at the Alvis.

'It's nothing to do with him.'

'No, it ain't,' Tom spat. 'And it's nothing to do with you neither, so p.i.s.s off.' He gave his sister a shove to try to loosen her grip and was about to give her another when the car door opened. 'It weren't me broke the window, anyhow,' he denied quickly, watching warily as the fellow approached. He was only slightly relieved to see he was in civvies and obviously off duty.

'Did you get arrested over it?'