Chapter 6

Despite the reason for the trip, Alice had found a measure of contentment in Whitby. The place held wonderful memories for her of happier times with Tommy, and it was good to get Jack away from the filthy streets of Birmingham. The fresh sea air blew the cobwebs from her mind and the sun warmed her through to her very soul. Jack seemed happy too although he missed his friends. In August, the small town had filled with thousands of visitors who had come to attend the Regatta. Losing themselves in the crowds Alice and Jack had cheered on the teams competing for the Wilson Cup and laughed along with the rest of the onlookers at the fancy dress and decorated carts.

It was a good time and gradually Alice began to regain her sense of self. As she did so she realised that she could never let her child go anywhere near Eloise. Even with Polly's protective presence she would damage him as surely as Tommy's father had damaged him. She resolved that she would never return to Birmingham. Instead she would take what was left of her savings and then Jack and her would run away as far and as fast as they could.

When Polly's call came it was more unwelcome than Alice could put in to words. The thought of returning to her old life was beyond painful but she owed Polly – and she could not bear the thought of Tommy being in pain. With a heavy heart she packed their things, left instructions for the housekeeper, and then she took Jack to the station to catch the train home.

It felt strange being back at Arrow House. She had not been there in months – not since that awful interview with Tommy and Eloise. Avoiding the front entrance, she walked round to the back of the house, dragging her feet like a child making their reluctant way to school, before letting herself in through the scullery door. As expected Polly was in the kitchen.

'Thank god you've finally made it', Polly exclaimed, rising to hug her. She looked exhausted.

'Is he no better?' Alice asked.

Polly shook her head. 'If anything he's worse. He hasn't eaten in days. He just lies on his bed smoking his pipe. His nightmares are getting worse too. Last night he had the whole house in an uproar cos he was sure that the Germans were knocking through the walls. Damn that woman', she growled in frustration. 'I thought things would get better once we finally got rid of her but she played on every one of his worst instincts; made it so that he thought that she was all he deserved. Now she's gone he's just a confused mess of guilt and self-loathing. I've tried everything I can think off to get through to him. Even Arthur's tried,' she added with a hollow laugh. 'Although to be fair that mainly consisted of Arthur swearing at him and then trying to knock seven bells out of him.'

'What did Tommy do?' Alice asked, horrified.

'That was the worst of it', Polly replied. 'He didn't react at all. When I finally got Arthur off him he just lit up another bloody pipe and turned his back on us.'

They sat in brooding silence for a while, sipping tea, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally Alice rose.

'I think you'd better take me to him, Pol,' she said firmly.

As she opened the door of Tommy's room Alice's nose wrinkled in disgust; it stank. There was the sharp rank stink of stale sweat, the bitter tang of cigarette smoke, and hanging over it all the heavy, slightly floral scent of opium. Through the gloom and swirling smoke, Tommy was a barely visible lump on the bed. She called his name but there was no reaction. She called again, louder, and then a third time louder still. At this the shape shifted but there was no further reaction. Alice froze uncertainly on the threshold. She desperately wanted to run back to Whitby with Jack. Then she saw Tommy reach out towards his pipe and suddenly she was furious. He had people who depended on him, who deserved his loyalty - how could be so selfish? This was going to end now!

The next three weeks were dreadful for all concerned. Whilst Polly set her mind to mending relationships with the Shelby family's allies, Alice focussed on weaning Tommy off opium. It was slow going. Not wanting to shock his system, she reduced the dose gradually but he still suffered for the want of it - sweating and purging by turns. At times he would beg and plead for more opium but she hardened her heart against him knowing that she only had one chance to help him; at other times he cursed her for a she-devil and damned the day that he'd ever met her. The nightmares also took on a more extreme dimension and on one occasion only Arthur's quick actions prevented Tommy from doing himself or her serious harm.

Towards the end of the third week Tommy seemed easier in himself. He was finally able to keep food and liquid down and even get out of bed for short periods – although he had now stopped talking entirely. With the last of her energy Alice blitzed the room, throwing open windows, cleaning and polishing, changing sheets, and, for what she hoped would be the final time, she helped Tommy to stand whilst he washed himself. Once Tommy was settled down again she left him to Arthur's tender mercies and headed to the kitchen for sustenance.

'I think he's over the worst', Alice mumbled wearily as she came through the kitchen door.

'Good news', Polly replied then, catching sight of Alice's face, she added caustically. 'Christ! You look worse than he does.' Alice didn't even have the strength to respond. Pouring her a cup of tea and ladling in sugar as though it was going out of fashion, Polly encouraged Alice to take a seat. 'I have news', she said.

'Huh?' Alice responded dully.

'The Lees are back in the fold', Polly said triumphantly. 'The cheeky bastards realised what side their bread was buttered on and came slinking back – once I'd laid out a few home truths at least. Solomon's lot will take a little bit longer to trust us again but he's a businessman so I made him an offer that he couldn't refuse. It'll cost us in the short term but once Tommy's back on his feet we can get things back to normal. Then we can work out what to do with those Italian bastards.'

'That's good', Alice said faintly, her eyes beginning to close.