Missing Person (11 page)

‘Oh, ’elp yourself, I’m sure, Mr Rogers,’ said plump Mrs Brown.

‘How’d you do, Mr Rogers, I’m just visitin’ Freddy,’ said Cassie.

‘Makes a change,’ said Freddy.

‘You know my little girls, Cassie?’ said Dan.

‘Oh, yes, nearly like twins, ain’t they?’ said Cassie.

Dan said he was a proud dad of nearly twins, that Alice Higgins had been looking after them while he was at work, but she’d fractured her ankle and couldn’t leave her house yet. Was it possible Cassie could look after Bubbles and Penny-Farving until Alice was on her feet again? He’d be happy to pay her two bob a day.

‘’Ow much?’ gasped Cassie.

‘Two bob,’ said Dan.

‘Crikey,’ said Cassie, brown eyes dancing, ‘me sister Nellie only gets two-and-six a day workin’ in a fact’ry, and I do ’appen to be disengaged, Mr Rogers. Well, I am for the time bein’ and I’m good at lookin’ after
children
. And cats and parrots. What time shall I come in the mornin’?’

‘Could you manage eight-fifteen, just before I go off to me work?’ asked Dan. ‘The girls would be having their breakfast then.’

‘Oh, easy,’ said Cassie, ‘and if you like I could take them to me own ’ome and let them talk to me parrot while I did a bit of ’ousework for me dad. It would be like – well, like—’

‘Killin’ two birds with one stone,’ said Freddy.

‘Freddy, that don’t sound right or nice,’ said Mrs Brown.

‘Oh, Freddy can’t ’elp his other self, Mrs Brown,’ said Cassie.

‘What other self, lovey?’ asked Mrs Brown.

‘His funny one,’ said Cassie. ‘Oh, he’s quite nice really, it’s ’is other self that makes ’im sound a bit peculiar sometimes.’ Freddy rolled his eyes and his dad grinned. ‘Mr Rogers,’ said Cassie, ‘I’ll be ever so pleased to look after Bubbles and Penny-Farvin’, ain’t they dear little girls? I remember me dad sayin’ I was a dear little girl once.’

‘Once,’ said Freddy.

‘Well, Cassie,’ smiled Dan, ‘I’d say you’d be a valuable young lady to me if you’d take the job on till Alice is better.’

‘Oh, I’m valuable to everybody,’ said Cassie.

Dan coughed.

‘That’s ’er other self talkin’,’ said Freddy. ‘’Er other self’s off its chump. So’s ’er parrot.’

‘Course it isn’t,’ said Cassie. ‘In the mornin’ tomorrow, I’ll take Bubbles and Penny-Farvin’ to see it, shall I, Mr Rogers?’

‘They’ll like that, Cassie,’ said Dan, ‘and I’ll try to get home a bit early, say by five o’clock. Can you
manage
to look after things till then?’

‘Oh, Cassie’s a good girl, Mr Rogers,’ said Mrs Brown, ‘she manages things about her dad’s house very competent.’

‘Well, bless you, then, Cassie,’ said Dan.

‘Oh, a pleasure, I’m sure,’ said Cassie. She wanted to ask him what it was like living next door to a haunted house, but kept her curiosity in check for once.

‘See you in the mornin’ before I go,’ said Dan, and left after thanking Mrs Brown for letting him talk to Cassie.

‘Crikey, me a nursemaid sort of,’ breathed Cassie, ‘and bein’ paid two bob a day. I could buy another parrot as company for Cecil.’

‘Barmy,’ said Freddy.

‘Anyway,’ said Cassie, ‘you comin’ ’ome with me to talk to Cecil or not?’

‘Not,’ said Freddy. Mr Brown and his better half smiled. They knew what was coming next, even though Freddy repeated himself. ‘Not,’ he said again, firmly negative.

‘We’ll go now,’ said Cassie.

‘Might I be so bold as to say I definitely ain’t?’ said Freddy.

‘Come along,’ said Cassie, and when they left the house a minute later she suggested they first knocked on Mrs Harper’s door to ask after Percy.

‘What for?’ questioned Freddy. ‘In case ’e’s got flu?’

‘No, just to be polite,’ said Cassie. ‘Mrs ’Arper did say we could bring Cecil to talk to Percy again sometime, so we ought to be polite.’

‘Cassie, did yer know there’s other things a bloke can do besides bein’ polite to a woman that’s got a parrot?’

‘You mean like kissin’ girls?’ said Cassie. ‘All right, as soon as we get ’ome you can kiss me.’

‘Cassie, blokes don’t kiss their fourteen-year-old mates.’

‘Well, you kissed me at Christmas,’ said Cassie, ‘and I’ll ’it you if you keep callin’ me your mate. Come on, let’s knock.’

It was Percy’s florid-faced owner who answered the door.

‘Well, ’ello, it’s you two again,’ she said.

‘Yes, it’s me and Freddy,’ said Cassie, ‘and we wondered if Percy’s all right.’

Mrs Harper, who had just enjoyed a post-supper drop of gin and was accordingly a little mellow, said, ‘You can come in for a tick and say ’ello to ’im, if yer want.’

‘Oh, thanks,’ said Cassie, and she and Freddy followed the woman through to the kitchen. Percy, his cage uncovered, greeted them with a squawk.

‘What’s up, Fred, what’s up?’

‘There, yer see, right as rain ’e is,’ said Mrs Harper.

‘Yes, don’t he speak up friendly?’ said Cassie. ‘Is he a comfort to you, Mrs ’Arper?’

‘’E enjoys a chat with me now and again,’ said Mrs Harper, ‘and with me ’usband Wally too.’

‘’Ello, Percy, ain’t you nice?’ said Cassie.

‘Who’s a pretty girl, then?’ asked Percy.

‘Me,’ said Cassie, tickled pink.

Freddy, hearing noises upstairs, asked, ‘Is yer ’usband doin’ some decoratin’, Mrs ’Arper?’

‘A bit,’ said Mrs Harper.

‘Me and Freddy’s goin’ to do some more talkin’ to Cecil,’ said Cassie. ‘We could take Percy with us, if yer like, and bring ’im back later.’

‘If yer don’t mind, dearie, I’ll keep Percy ’ere with me,’ said Mrs Harper.

‘Oh, all right,’ said Cassie graciously, ‘we’ll bring Cecil Saturday afternoon then, when Freddy’s ’ome from work.’

‘On Saturday,’ said Freddy, ‘I think I’ll be cycling to somewhere.’

‘No, you won’t,’ said Cassie. ‘Goodbye, Mrs ’Arper, goodbye, Percy.’

‘Yes, so long,’ said Freddy.

Percy responded in garbled fashion.

‘What was that ’e said, Mrs ’Arper?’ asked Cassie, as the woman ushered them out.

‘Just ’is way of sayin’ goodbye, ducks,’ said Mrs Harper.

When they were out in the street, Cassie said, ‘Did it sound like goodbye to you, Freddy?’

‘No, it sounded the same as before,’ said Freddy. ‘Like, “I’ll hit yer”.’

‘Freddy, I already told you, parrots don’t hit people.’

‘Well, as Sammy Adams told me once, everyone’s got some small mercies to be thankful for,’ said Freddy.

‘I expect you’re ever so thankful for me,’ said Cassie.

The man Wally came down to the kitchen.

‘Must that boy and girl come into the house?’ he asked.

‘I’m surprised you askin’ a question like that,’ said Mrs Harper. ‘It won’t do not to be neighbourly or to act like we’ve got something to ’ide. London people always keep an open door for neighbours.’

‘Yes, you have a point,’ said Wally.

‘Glad yer think so,’ said Mrs Harper. Seated, her hitched skirt was offering him a look at her legs, which were quite handsome.

‘Of course.’

Percy said something. A slight smile appeared on Wally’s face.

‘’E’s got that from you,’ said Mrs Harper, ‘but it’s all Chinese to that boy and girl.’

‘Good. I’d be sorry to have to wring its neck.’

‘Don’t get cantankerous,’ said Mrs Harper.

‘Of course not.’ Wally put a hand on her uncovered knees and lightly patted them. She stiffened with pleasure. He smiled again, then went back upstairs.

‘Tilly?’ Dan knocked and put his head round the door.

‘Did I say come in?’ asked Tilly, enjoying a cup of tea in the armchair.

‘Just a friendly call to let you know Cassie Ford’s goin’ to look after the girls from tomorrow,’ said Dan.

‘Well, I’m thrilled, ain’t I?’ said Tilly. ‘But suppose I’d been ’alf undressed?’

‘Well, lucky old me, I’d have said.’

‘Feelin’ saucy, are we?’ said Tilly. ‘Just watch yerself, I’ve met other blokes like you. Still, it’s a relief you’ve got someone to keep an eye on them angels. But you’re always goin’ to ’ave problems unless you yank Gladys Hobday off ’er tightrope, put ’er in a sack and bring her ’ome to be a mother to Bubbles and Penny-Farvin’. And marry her into the bargain.’

‘Well, it’s an idea, I suppose,’ said Dan.

‘An idea? Are you short of a bit of common? It’s what you’ve got to do.’

‘I’m givin’ it serious thought, Tilly.’

‘You don’t look serious, not with that grin all over your face.’

‘Sorry about that, Tilly, me face gets like that sometimes.’

‘Ha-ha,’ said Tilly.

‘Dressmakin’ goin’ all right?’

‘It’s got to, it’s me livin’,’ said Tilly.

‘Well, if you fall on hard times,’ said Dan, ‘I’ve always got a quid or two to spare, so just ask.’

‘Excuse me,’ said Tilly, ‘but I pride meself on me integrity, which don’t allow me to go borrowin’, not while I’ve still got something I can pawn. Still, that don’t mean I’m unappreciative of such a kind offer, which I thank you for, and ain’t it time you put your angels to bed?’

‘Ruddy sheets and pillows,’ said Dan, ‘I must’ve had a hard day, I’ve forgotten about puttin’ them to bed. Excuse me.’ He disappeared. She heard him calling as he went down the stairs. ‘Bubbles! Penny-Farvin’! Bedtime, me little sausages. Come out wherever you are.’

What a case, thought Tilly. He’d forget one day that he had two daughters.

IT WAS ONLY
a few minutes past eight when Cassie knocked on Dan’s front door, pulled the latchcord and went in.

‘Mr Rogers? It’s Cassie, I’m ’ere,’ she called.

‘Come through, Cassie.’

Freddy’s sprightly young mate went through and entered the kitchen, where Bubbles and Penny-Farving were having breakfast and Dan was finishing a cup of tea.

‘Oh, ’ello, everyone,’ said Cassie. ‘Mr Rogers, I’ve come a bit early because I’m ever so sorry but me dad says it’ll be too much for me to look after Bubbles and Penny-Farvin’ all day. He says ’e don’t mind for the mornin’ and seein’ to their midday meal. I can do that each day, ’e says, but not the afternoons as well.’ The Gaffer, in fact, had thought, not unreasonably, that all day every day would be asking too much of his fourteen-year-old daughter. ‘I’m ever so sorry.’

‘Understood, Cassie, don’t worry,’ said Dan, ‘your dad’s probably right, and I daresay I was askin’ a bit much of you. Anyway, sit down with the girls, and I’ll just pop upstairs for a quick minute.’

Up he went. Tilly, putting the kettle on her gas ring for her breakfast tea, heard him coming. He knocked.

‘Miss Thomas?’

Miss Thomas? I don’t like the sound of that,
thought
Tilly, it’s like the kiss of doom, coming from a bloke who’s usually a cheerful Charlie.

‘Come in,’ she said, and Dan showed himself.

‘Mornin’,’ he said, and a smile appeared. Watch him, Tilly told herself. ‘Fresh as a daisy you look,’ he said, which she did in a green skirt and a dazzling white blouse. ‘Thought I’d just pop up and tell you that Cassie Ford’s arrived to keep an eye on the girls.’

‘Kind of you to let me know, Mr Rogers.’

‘Don’t mention it,’ said Dan. ‘Oh, there’s just one thing, she can only stay till the girls have had their midday meal. Her dad thinks it’ll be too much for her to look after them all day. Fair enough, I suppose, seein’ she’s only fourteen. Anyway, I’ll tell the girls to behave themselves durin’ the afternoon, and perhaps you’d do me a favour again and listen out for them, in case they pull the ceilin’ down. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate—’

‘Oh, you crook,’ breathed Tilly, ‘you’re doin’ it on me again. I see it all now, why you advertised for a lodger, you ’oped a soft touch would turn up. Well, I ain’t a soft touch, I’ve got me livin’ to earn—’

‘Yes, course you have,’ said Dan, loading his voice with deep manly sympathy, ‘and I admire you for it. Believe me, I wasn’t lookin’ for any soft touch in a lodger, and I’d stay and talk to you about it, but I must get crackin’, I’ve got a crew of motor mechanics to supervise, and me guv’nor’s already allowin’ me to get in a bit late on account of the girls. I’ll just leave it to you to listen out for them after Cassie’s gone, and you’ve got all me thanks in advance – oh, and there’s no charge for any rent at all this week. Got to rush now.’

He disappeared.

‘Come back, you lousy geezer!’ yelled Tilly. She
picked
up a closed Oxo tin that was full of buttons, and dashed out to the landing. There he was, nearly at the foot of the stairs. She threw the tin down at him. It struck his left shoulder, the lid sprang off and the tin fell on the passage floor, scattering buttons. ‘Oh, yer swine, now look what you’ve done!’

Dan had disappeared again. He was in the kitchen, telling his girls to stay in this afternoon and conduct themselves like true-blue angels, and letting Cassie know where food for the midday meal was. Out he came again. Tilly pounced, her weapon this time an umbrella. By the time Dan managed to get out of the house he was close to being in a wounded condition. Miss Tilly Thomas was a young woman who had a vigorous way of chastizing any man who had fallen from grace in her eyes.

Out from the kitchen came Cassie and the girls.

‘Oh, ’ello, how’d you do, are you Tilly?’ asked Cassie.

‘That’s me,’ said Tilly, breathing a little hard.

‘Is it rainin’?’ asked Bubbles, seeing the umbrella.

‘No, it’s just a bit stormy,’ said Tilly. ‘Pleased to meet you,’ she said to Cassie.

‘Oh, pleasure, I’m sure, and I’m Cassie.’

‘Are you sure you can manage these two angels, Cassie?’

‘Well, I don’t ’ave any bother managin’ me cat and me parrot,’ said Cassie. ‘Or Freddy,’ she added.

‘Who’s Freddy?’ asked Tilly.

‘Me young man,’ said Cassie. ‘Well, he will be when ’e’s older. He lives just a few doors away. Did yer know that Mrs ’Arper, your neighbour next door, ’as got a parrot, like I ’ave?’

‘I suppose I know now,’ said Tilly.

‘Cassie’s takin’ us to see ’er parrot this mornin’,’
said
Penny-Farving. ‘Can I give it a bit of what’s left of me toast and marmalade, Cassie?’

‘No, it don’t eat toast and marmalade,’ said Cassie. ‘You make sure you eat it all up yerself. Bubbles, what’re you doin’ with your glass of milk?’