The Very Thought of You

Chapter 10

Charlie Buckton was sitting on the sofa drinking a cup of tea, deep in thought. She was frustrated and angry at the way Brian Collins had dragged his sister from the Police Station stopping Joey from completing and signing a statement accusing Robert Cruze, Brian's friend, of rape. She sighed and tried to think of something she could do to get Joey back to the station and in doing so, convince her to sign the statement.

"Hi, Charlie!" Called a cheery voice from the kitchen.

"Hi, Janet!" Charlie called back. There's some tea in the pot. Only just made it."

"Lovely." Janet Leah said as she reached for a cup. Janet, the owner of the house where Charlie and Ruby lodged, worked during the day at the 'Whitstable Tea Rooms' (Light Lunches and Afternoon Teas) and had just finished for the day. "Did you remember the carrots on the way home?" She asked.

"Oh bother!" Charlie cursed, jumping to her feet. "Sorry Jan, I'll pop down there now."

She headed for the back door and picked up her Wellington boots and made her way down to the allotment. The household had been lucky enough to acquire an allotment site which, Charlie passed on the way home from the Police station. It had been her task to dig up a few carrots which were required for their evening meal. In the frustration of the day's events, this she had forgotten to do. She furiously dug at the plot and heaved up four carrots.

Returning the spade to the little shed on site, Charlie was about to make her way home when she heard a man's voice.

"Hello beautiful!"

Charlie turned around to see who was dishing out compliments. Lieutenant Hugo Austin of the Royal Navy stood leaning against the allotment fence, smoking a cigarette.

"Digging for victory, eh?" he smiled and winked.

"Hugo. How are you?" Charlie asked, removing a few stray hairs from her eyes. "What brings you out this way?"

"Are you interrogating me?" Hugo smarmed.

"No! Just thought it an odd place for you to be, that's all." Charlie stated, brushing the remainder of the earth from her hands.

"Well, in truth, I followed you." Hugo admitted, with a smile.

"You – you followed me?" Charlie asked, anxiously.

"Well, I wanted a chat with you and you're normally so busy with work or domestic stuff that I never get a chance to, well, invite you out. So, Miss. Buckton," he started to walk towards a flustered Charlie, "would you do me the honour of having a drink with me tonight?"

"I-I'm sorry Hugo," Charlie stammered, "I've already got something planned for this evening."

"Cancel it." Hugo calmly suggested.

"No, I can't do that." Said Charlie, racking her brains for an excuse not to see him.

"What's so important that you can't spare a couple of hours to relax and have a drink with me while I'm on leave?"

[The chap is oily and watches too many Hollywood films.] Charlie thought to herself.

"It's a work thing." Charlie said hastily. I've got to go and call on someone - to see that they're alright."

"But surely your shift has finished?" Hugo reasoned, as he stood very close to Charlie, who was considering how she could make good her escape.

"Oh, in the Police Force, one is on call all the time." Charlie said, half smiling and squeezing herself between Hugo and the shed.

"Perhaps, another time?" Hugo called as Charlie beat a hasty retreat. Charlie gave him a quick wave and was gone, red faced and breathless.

"Why did you do that!" Shouted an angry Joey at her brother.

"Because you're a liar, Joey! All that stuff you said was rubbish! Bob wouldn't touch a fly let alone you! Maybe it's what you wanted to happen and when he was having none of it, you got nasty and reported him!" He brother accused.

"How dare you even suggest it! I wouldn't let that slimy sod anywhere near me let alone encourage him! He makes my skin crawl." Joey shuddered, feeling goose bumps popping up on her arms. She rubbed her arms hard to disperse them.

"I suggest you get off your arse and go and apologise to Bob, now! He's upset and deserves better from you, an old friend like that."

"He's not my old friend and I'm not apologising for something he's done to me!" Joey spat as she stormed into her bedroom and slammed the door.

"Well," Janet Leah said as she stretched at the kitchen table, "If I say it myself, that was very nice!"

"Janet, how on earth do you make such a tasty feast with just a few rationed bits and bobs?" Charlie laughed. "I hope there was nothing illegal in that meal?"

"That's between me and Lord Woolton!" Janet winked.

"Scrummy!" Seconded Ruby, finishing her meal. "Much better that Charlie's effort last night." She challenged, glancing at her sister.

"Thanks, Ruby. I love you too!" Said Charlie, throwing a tea towel at her sister. "I suggest you get washing up. I've got to go out."

"Me? Washing up, again?" Moaned Ruby.

"Yes, you! Janet's busy. And when you've done that, you can get on with making your bed since it hasn't been done all day!"

"Oh! And Ruby, would you mind keeping an eye on Vince for me, while I'm out?" Janet said, "I shouldn't be gone long. Got to pop along and see Irene Roberts. She's managed to sort out a pair of long-johns for Vince, which I hope will fit him this winter." Turning to Charlie, "He's getting so tall now and growing out of everything!" she said patting the top of her young son's head.

"Oh, Mum!" he moaned as he was setting up his tin soldiers on the table top.

"Sure!" said Ruby, through gritted teeth. "Can't think of anything I'd rather do."

"Ruby, you're an angel" Charlie said grinning as she grabbed her gas mask box and hand bag. She stopped at the door, looked over her shoulder at her younger sister and blew her a kiss.

"Ha! Ha!" Ruby said, and poked her tongue out at her exiting sister.