Читать книгу Watching - Jeff Edwards - Страница 11

The next few months were hectic for the girls.

There were the applications for enrolment at university, the selection of suitable courses, and finally, accommodation to be found.

The Commodore wanted the girls enrolled in a suitable ladies’ college, to keep them, once again, cloistered from the opposite sex, and able to concentrate on their studies.

However, the girls had reached the age when the admiring glances of young men, were almost certainly returned with looks of shy appreciation of their own. Rani’s medical books describing the workings of the male and female bodies, had been pored over intently by the girls. They were convinced that they were now prepared for the outside world, and anxious to see if the black and white photos in the textbooks would look as interesting in real life.

Assisted by the Commodore, accommodation was finally found in a boarding house, close by the university, lorded over by a large woman named Mrs Petri, who, it was reported, slept with one eye open. Legend had it that no errant guest had ever succeeded in smuggling an unwanted visitor past her eagle eye, especially a male visitor.

The Commodore was very pleased that his charges would be so well chaperoned. The girls felt like they were back in their dormitory at Wilton, under the gaze of Miss Wright, but comforted themselves that Mrs Petri would only be watching them at home, while they had the rest of the day, and the expanse of the university, with its surrounding pubs, in which to cavort.

Rani’s parents had not been pleased, to say the least. A flurry of telegrams between themselves and the Commodore had taken place. Finally, they realised that no matter what they said, or threatened, their daughter would not be returning home for the foreseeable future. Reluctantly, her father gave up his plans of coming to England to force her to return, and turned his attention to introducing his brother’s daughter to the prospective client. He would not, however, contribute to his daughter’s education, considering it a complete folly, and fully expecting her to return, ‘tail between her legs’, before the end of the first term.

Rani, for her part, sent her parents long tearful letters, explaining why she had taken the unprecedented action of going against their wishes, discussing at length her hopes and plans for the future.

Jade and Rani reluctantly bid the Commodore goodbye, as they packed their bags once again, and moved to London.

Their arrival at the boarding house went quietly, and, overseen by the daunting Mrs Petri, they settled into their rooms. That afternoon, however, they came under the gaze of Mrs Petri once again, as she loomed large in Jade’s doorway, a bunch of red roses in her hand.

‘Young men are not permitted under this roof,’ she said, thrusting the flowers in Jade’s direction, ‘no matter how well-mannered they are. I’ll be keeping an eye on you, young lady.’

Surprised, Jade took the flowers, smelling the gorgeous aroma. ‘I wasn’t expecting flowers from anyone.’

Mrs Petri looked down her nose at Jade. ‘Well, I’m sure it won’t be the last time. But while you’re under my roof there will be no ‘hanky panky’. Do you understand?’

‘Of course, Mrs Petri.’

Rani had heard the conversation, and entered the room, as Mrs Petri gave Jade one more stare, and wandered slowly back to her kitchen.

‘Well? Read the card,’ said Rani.

‘Oh! Yes,’ said Jade, extracting the small envelope. She smiled as she read the message. ‘It’s from Walter Groom. He’s welcoming us, and wanting to know if he can take us to supper this evening.’

‘Both of us? Where are my flowers!’

Jade laughed. ‘He probably meant them for both of us. Will we go?’

‘A handsome man ... or Mrs Petri. Not much of a choice. We won’t get much chance to eat out when university starts. Let’s go.’

Walter’s romancing of Jade began slowly. He had no intention of scaring her off, by being too forward.

Rani was invited along on their outings, to act as friend and chaperone. However, as soon as university began, Rani was no longer able to afford the time for a social life. Granted her dream, she threw herself wholeheartedly into her studies. The years of private study she had undertaken at Wilton, had placed her in an advantageous position, but she was determined to remain at the head of her class, no matter what.

For her own part, Jade was in a unique position. A university education, for her, was merely a whim. She had no financial need to either study or find employment. Consequently, Jade selected for herself a lighter burden of studies. She chose an accountancy course as her most taxing. Jade was as clever as Rani, but was more focused on the classical things in life, rather than the practical.

She loved the course in Classical Art, and promised herself to pursue more courses in this direction, in the following years.

For their first outing, Walter had taken the girls to the cinema, where he was delighted to seat himself between the two women, attracting jealous looks from the surrounding males.

Afterwards, he took them to supper at a small Italian restaurant where he appeared to be known. The staff were very friendly and assisted the girls when, for the first time, they attempted to eat spaghetti. They had been fed nothing but plain, English food at the college, and found themselves at a complete loss in trying to capture the slippery noodles. It didn’t help that they were laughing so much that whenever they did manage to secure some food on their forks, it fell straight back off again.

Following their uproarious dinner, Walter walked them toward the Thames, showing them the sights, and entertaining them with colourful anecdotes regarding the places they were passing.

Slowly, the character of their surroundings changed, as they approached the working area of the city, not far from the busy docks. The buildings became a lot older, and shabbier, with less lighting, giving the entire area a dismal feeling, and they could now smell the river itself.

Jade glanced at Walter, but he appeared oblivious to the changes around them, and seemed to be quite at home.

Rani noticed not only the buildings becoming shabbier, but also the people. Women with hard faces, coloured with garish makeup, wandered listlessly. Their eyes followed the trio up the street, assessing their new clothes, and wealthy appearance.

‘Not far now,’ Walter assured them.

‘Where are we going?’ asked Jade.

‘The Golden Stag,’ smiled Walter. ‘It’s one of the few pubs that are still open at this time of night. You’ll love it. It has loads of atmosphere.’

They turned a corner, and Walter led them toward the lights at the end of the block, where the sound of jazz music filled the air. As they strode toward the music, Jade noted that the number of women lounging against walls and streetlights, had grown.

‘They’re prostitutes, aren’t they?’ Jade whispered to Walter.

‘Nah! We’re the Queen of bloody England and her hand maidens, you stupid bitch!’ Snarled one of women, her companions laughing as Rani and Jade moved closer to Walter.

‘Now, now ladies. Be nice,’ called Walter to the lounging women.

On entering the Golden Stag, Jade found that the ‘atmosphere’ Walter had spoken of, consisted mainly of cigarette smoke. Thick clouds of it formed a fog that they had to make their way through, to get to one of the few empty tables. Jade noticed that it was located near a dark, narrow passage that led to the toilets, and on the opposite side of the room to the small stage. A jazz combo occupied the stage, and it looked as though the number of people vying for space to play their instruments would cause the stage to collapse at any minute.

After seating the girls, Walter made his way to the bar, leaving Rani and Jade to survey their surroundings.

They found that the smoke helped to disguise the shabbiness of the place. Scarred furniture attested to the many fights that had taken place, while the table surface itself had been used by bored drinkers as a place to make their mark on the world, in the form of gouged messages, and initials.

The inmates of the room seemed to be a continuation of those found on the street outside, however, as Jade looked more closely, she noted that there were several tables occupied by well-dressed couples.

Walter returned with three glasses of ale. ‘No champagne in this fine establishment, I’m afraid.’ He laughed, placing the drinks before them. ‘Drink up.’

Rani and Jade, lifted their glasses, and sipped at the frothy head. The yeasty taste was nothing like the bubbly sweetness of the champagne they had drunk earlier that evening. Both turned up their noses, and grimaced as they looked at one another.

‘Now, now. Don’t be a snob. Give it a chance,’ chided Walter.

Jade placed the glass down before her, determined not to have another drop. Rani followed suit.

To divert Walter, she waved at the room, and asked, ‘So, what sort of place is this?’

Walter took a deep drink from his glass, and licked the froth from his top lip. ‘Like I said; it’s one of the few pubs still open this late at night. It has great music, and I like to come down here to watch the world go by. You get a wide variety of people here. For instance,’ he said pointing to a couple in a far corner, ‘over there, you have a well-known couple. He’s a film star in ‘B’ grade movies, and she’s a well-known author, while sitting next to them is a heavily made-up young man in a silver gown.’

‘I thought that was a woman!’ exclaimed Jade.

‘No, that’s Barry. I went to school with him,’ said Walter, waving to the gowned figure, who returned Walter’s salute with a cheery wave of his own.

‘Truth be told, it was Barry that actually told me about this place. He loves his jazz.’

Shocked, the girls examined the occupants of the pub more closely. True, most of the drinkers appeared to be from the local area, but those that weren’t were very well-dressed, as though they had come from the theatre or more lavish parties.

‘One of these days, the poor working girls won’t be welcome in here anymore. It’ll be completely taken over by the city’s snobbery, but, until that happens, I’ll come here to watch and learn.’

Just then, one of the streetwalkers entered. Crossing the room, she made her way to a table nearby, where a handful of crumpled notes was passed to one of its male occupants. Without looking, he thrust the notes into his coat pocket, returning immediately to his drink, ignoring the woman completely. With a vacant expression, she shrugged her shoulders, and returned to the streets outside.

Jade looked at Walter for an explanation. Walter leaned closer to the girls, and in a low voice explained, ‘He’s her ‘pimp’. She gives him all the money she earns, and in exchange, he gives her protection — supposedly — although most of the girls are in more danger from their pimps, than from their clients. These men can be very physical with their girls, if they think the girl has been holding out on his share of the money, or if he doesn’t think she’s been working hard enough.’

‘The wretch!’ said Rani, eyeing the man.

‘I wouldn’t say that too loudly,’ said Walter, ‘Most of the carvings on these tables are done by the pimps, using the very sharp knives they carry around with them. They’re rather prone to using the blade to carve into anything that disagrees with them. Including people. Now drink up, and we’ll listen to the music.’

They returned to the Golden Stag often. Usually late at night, when a jazz band was playing, and the girls gradually learned to appreciate the nuances of the music. They also learned to like the ale, but not as much as French champagne. When Rani decided that study was more important than a night on the town, Jade and Walter continued to visit as a couple.

Familiarity meant that Jade began to get used to the working girls, just as the girls began to recognise Jade. There was a tacit agreement between the women that they would be polite with one another, but would never become friends. Both sides knowing that could never happen. However, nods of greeting were now exchanged, and the women ceased to sneer at Jade behind her back.

The circumstances under which the women worked upset Jade, especially on the cold wet evenings, when the women were forced to continue strolling the streets, despite their wet bedraggled clothes. All to feed the drinking and gambling habits of their pimps.

‘I wish there was something that I could do to help them,’ said Jade.

Walter took a drink, and regarded Jade over the top of his glass. ‘Well you can’t. Anything that you could try to do to help would be wrong. It would undermine the power of their pimps, and pimps have a very effective way of solving problems like that.’

‘They wouldn’t dare hurt someone that was trying to do something good.’

‘You’re right, they probably wouldn’t. However, what they would do, would be to ensure that the girls under their ‘care’ didn’t attempt to go anywhere near the person offering help. And a sharp blade would ensure that they are obeyed.’

‘Would they really do that?’

‘To ensure they didn’t lose their money earners, they’d do anything. So don’t even think about trying to help.’

‘But what if they just wanted to walk away?’

‘As a deterrent, they’d probably find their face slashed. Or worse.’

‘That’s horrible.’

‘That’s life.’

Rani, applying herself diligently, progressed quickly through her studies, always near, or at, the top of her class.

Jade passed her courses too. Mid-class to be sure, because she hadn’t really applied herself, but passes nonetheless.

By the time the girls turned twenty-one, Rani was about to enter her internship at one of the leading teaching hospitals, while Jade had a last year to go before qualifying as an accountant.

As both Rani and Jade were due to celebrate their birthdays within a month of each other, the Commodore threw them both a combined party, at his house. As they both lacked relatives, it was their friends from university who spent the weekend toasting the pair, and wishing them well.

Walter Groom was there, giving a very funny speech, and smiling broadly, at everyone. He was delightfully anticipating that the first part of his plan was nearing fruition.

Following the party, Jade and the Commodore called to the office of Groom and Son, where Gerald Groom had the necessary papers prepared to formalise the turning over of Jade’s assets. Now that Jade had reached her majority, the Commodore would no longer be her guardian. The inheritance was now to be Jade’s to administer in any way she wished.

‘For the time being, I’d like the money to be left as it is,’ said Jade. ‘You and the Commodore seem to have looked after it quite well.’

In fact, Jade had been amazed at the amounts shown in her accounts. Since she had originally come into her inheritance, both she and Rani had used quite a bit of money on their education, accommodation and sundry items, however, the interest gained on the money had more than paid for these expenses, and the sum total had, in fact, increased considerably.

Gerald Groom and the Commodore were both pleased that Jade was showing a mature attitude to her money. They had secretly been afraid that she would insist on withdrawing it all, to spend on silly luxuries.

After the meeting, Walter took Jade aside.

‘I’m taking you out tonight to celebrate.’

‘Oh are you? And where are you taking me?’

‘I thought that the Barclay Hotel would be the most elegant setting for a beautiful mature lady such as yourself,’ smiled Walter.

‘Oh! Very nice. Well I suppose I had better select a suitably elegant dress to go with the surroundings.’

‘Whatever you wear, I’m sure you’ll outshine all the other women there.’

‘Oh, Walter! Flattery as well? You really are going all out!’

‘I’ll pick you up at seven.’

Rani turned to Jade. ‘And what are you going to tell him?’

‘About what?’

‘You know as well as I do. He’s going to propose!’

‘And how do you know that?’

‘Don’t be obtuse. You’re now of age. You’ve taken over your inheritance, and dear Walter can’t wait to get his hands on it.’

‘Are you insinuating that Walter is just after me for my money?’ asked Jade innocently.

‘ I know it, and you’ve known it all along. He’s out to get whatever he wants. So, what are you going to tell him?’

Jade smiled enigmatically at her friend. ‘I’ve made a few arrangements. Walter is in for several surprises this evening.’

For the evening, Jade had purchased a long silver gown.

Slipping it on, she thought of Barry, the cross dresser, on their first night at the Golden Stag. I wonder what sort of husband he’d make — probably stretch all my clothes out of shape, she thought with a giggle. She was looking forward to this evening.

Walter arrived by taxi soon after, and, escorted by Rani, Jade made a grand entrance into the parlour.

Mrs Petri’s attitude to guests had not waned in the years that Jade and Rani had lived with her; however, Walter had been able to make inroads into her fearsome defence. So much so, that he was now permitted past the front door, as far as the front parlour, but not an inch further.

‘My word! You look wonderful!’

‘Almost as good as Barry?’ asked Jade.

‘Of course,’ laughed Walter.

‘And not a chest hair in sight,’ commented Rani.

It was a balmy evening, and they dined and danced, on the balcony of the hotel’s restaurant, with waiters overseeing every small part of the dining ritual, whooshing courses away the moment they were finished, and replacing them at suitable intervals with the next course.

Jade wondered when the moment would arrive, and was not surprised when a single violin player detached himself from the band to come and stand beside their table, playing a suitably romantic piece, while the waiters arrived with their sweets.

Jade’s sweet consisted of a large dollop of vanilla ice-cream with an enormous strawberry perched on top, and embedded in the top of the strawberry, a sparkling diamond ring.

Walter’s expression was one of rapt attention, as he took her hand in his, knelt beside her chair, and looked deep into her eyes, asking, ‘Will you marry me?’

He was most surprised as, using her free hand, Jade removed the ring from the strawberry, stuck it in her mouth, sucking the pieces of strawberry that had adhered to it. She then opened Walter’s hand, and placed the ring in the centre of his palm.

‘No, Walter, I will not marry you. Now get off your knees and sit down.’ She turned to the violinist, and waved him away.

Totally shocked, Walter remained kneeling, unaware of the stares he was attracting.

‘For God’s sake, Walter, sit down. You’re making a fool of yourself down there,’ hissed Jade.

With his jaw still hanging, Walter sat, staring numbly at Jade, who was watching his reaction with a Mona Lisa smile on her face. She plucked the strawberry from the top of her ice cream and began devouring it.

Walter was slowly now coming to terms with what Jade had said, and he began to realise that by rejecting him, she had hurt his feelings. No one had been able to do that to him before. It was a revelation. ‘Why won’t you marry me?’ he asked with a hurt expression.

‘Because you don’t love me. I thought that was rather obvious.’

‘But I do love you.’

‘No you don’t. You’ve never once even hinted at it.’

‘But we’ve been going together for years!’

‘And you’ve never once told me you love me. Besides, I don’t love you,’ added Jade, as she commenced spooning her ice cream.

‘But what does this mean?’

Jade looked at Walter across the table. He really didn’t understand at all. Speaking slowly, as though to a backward child, she said, ‘Well, for one thing, we are not going to get married. We should, however, remain friends, as well as business associates. I will still need you in my life, you see.’

‘But I had planned on us marrying.’

‘Well, Walter dear, you’ll have to make some different plans for the future. I will never marry a man that I don’t love. I’ve seen my parent’s marriage, and I will not make their mistakes. I intend to be happy, and I could not be happily married to you.’

‘But what will become of us?’

Jade smiled. ‘I’m glad you asked that question. For the long term, I don’t know, but, I intend that we’ll remain friends.’ She reached for her evening bag, opened it, and reached inside, before placing a hotel key before him. ‘Now then, Walter, for the short term — I had planned that we should retire to the hotel room fitting that key, where we’ll find a bottle of champagne cooling in a bucket of ice, and where, if it is alright with you, you may deflower me.’

‘What?’ spluttered Walter.

‘I want you to take me upstairs, and make a woman of me.’

‘You can’t be serious!’

‘Walter, dearest, you are becoming quite tedious.’ She scooped up the key, and stood. ‘I’m going upstairs. I suggest you join me. After all, you deserve to get something for the trouble you went to tonight.’

Walter watched as Jade walked slowly between the tables, toward the door; her elegant gait showing to wonderful effect her curves below the evening gown. Other males in the restaurant also followed her progress. Reacting quickly, Walter threw some bank notes onto the table, and stumbled quickly after Jade, trying to catch her before she reached the elevators.

Jade smiled at Walter as he caught up to her. She handed him the room key, just as the elevator doors opened. Once inside, Walter consulted the key, and pressed the button for the correct floor. As the door opened again, Jade preceded Walter out of the elevator, turned to the left, and walked up the hallway, coming to a stop outside the correct room.

‘You’ve had this planned, all along,’ he said, as the key was inserted.

Jade said nothing, just flashing him another of her enigmatic smiles, as he opened the door.

Inside, Walter found the champagne and glasses on the low coffee table, along with a basket of complimentary fruit. Nodding approvingly at the vintage, he began to open the bottle as Jade moved to the window and studied the lights of the city outside.

Hearing the cork pop, Jade turned, and watched as Walter poured the drinks.

He walked to her, and handed over one of the glasses.

Jade regarded the bubbles ascending through the golden liquid. Lifting the glass to Walter, she clinked his glass, and made a toast. ‘To virginity, and its loss.’ She sipped.

Walter took a mouthful of the liquor, savouring its taste as it slowly made its way down his throat. He looked at Jade. ‘Are you positive about this?’

Jade moved close to him, and kissed him lightly on his cheek. ‘Of course I am.’

‘You knew I was going to ask you to marry me.’

‘Of course I did,’ she said, taking his free hand. ‘Now stop worrying about silly little things, and take me to bed.’

Jade had selected well. Walter was a surprisingly competent and gentle lover. He undressed her slowly, touching her in all those wonderfully sensitive places that Jade barely knew existed. Slipping the gown off her shoulders, he kissed her breasts, causing Jade to yelp with delight.

Once naked, he lay her upon the bed, and commenced to remove his own clothes.

Jade propped herself up on one elbow, as she watched him, marvelling at the sight of the naked man before her.

He joined her on the bed, and placed his hand between her legs, massaging her womanhood.

Jade squirmed with delight, as the sensations cascaded through her.

Finally, he rose above her, opening her legs, forcing himself into her depths.

Jade’s fingers dug into Walter’s shoulders as the pain took her, but it soon passed, to be replaced by a wet, thrusting of delight.

Walter’s body moved inside her, slowly at first, but, as she was stretched to accommodate him, his movements became faster, and more urgent.

Jade could feel the muscles beneath Walter’s skin, as they bunched tightly, and his breath came in gasps. His body arched suddenly, as a new feeling of warm wetness filled her, and his thrusting ceased.

For her own part, Jade felt as though she were on the verge of some delight, that had just failed to materialise.

She rose from the bed, and went to the bathroom. After cleaning herself, she regarded her reflection in the mirror. A virgin no longer, she couldn’t see any difference in the face that looked back at her, however, she did feel different, on the inside. She smiled, and decided that she had made the right decision.

Returning to the bedroom, she found Walter sipping champagne in bed. He looked up at her, and smiled, lifting the glass to her.

She climbed in beside him, took the glass, and sipped, before returning it to him.

‘Wonderful.’

‘And you were good too,’ replied Walter with a grin.

‘I meant the champagne, ninny,’ laughed Jade. ‘You really are an egomaniac.’

‘And you still won’t marry an egomaniac. Even after what we’ve done together?’

Jade laughed again. ‘Are you now offering to ‘make an honest woman out of me’?’

‘If you like.’

Jade leant up, and kissed his cheek. ‘You really don’t know how to accept ‘no’ for an answer do you?’

‘I still can’t see why you won’t marry me.’

‘Because we don’t love one another. In fact there’s probably only one thing that you truly love about me, and that’s my money, and, if we did marry, then I would make you truly miserable, because I have absolutely no intention of letting the man I marry anywhere near my money.’

‘You can’t be serious.’

‘Why do you think I’ve taken a degree in accountancy? Doesn’t that indicate just how serious I am about this?’

‘And you won’t let your husband help you look after your money?’

‘Why should I? What could he do that I wouldn’t be able to do just as well?’

Walter had to concede that she may have a point, but it was just not how things were done.

‘But don’t worry too much, Walter dear,’ she said as she snuggled up to him. ‘I’m not removing my money from the control of your firm just yet. Your father can continue to invest it for me until I get on my feet, and I’m in a position to start my own company.’

Her hand strayed over his stomach, and down to his groin, cupping his manhood in her hand, marvelling at the feel of him.

Walter groaned with delight, and took another sip of champagne.

Jade continued to stroke him, remembering the feel of him inside her. If that was how it felt, having sex with a man that she did not love, then what would it be like with someone to whom she felt an emotional connection?

She continued to consider the possibilities, as she stroked him, feeling him stir back to life in her hand. It was amazing how it grew, and changed shape at her command.

Memories of her father and Yee-Ling, and their lovemaking, came to her.

Walter was surprised as Jade rose from the crook of his arm, and straddled his loins. She lifted herself, and then lowered herself onto him.

‘Where did you learn that?’ he asked with delight.

‘I think we might have a lot to teach one another,’ smiled Jade, as she began to move on him, searching to find her own personal rhythm.

Minutes later, Jade found the answer to her question of how good it could be.

* * *

With Walter still living with his parents, and the rock solid Mrs Petri guarding the virtue of her boarders, the chances for Jade and Walter to continue their affair would be limited. However, Jade was determined that her life would become less inhibited. She decided that, as soon as she graduated, a move to a home of her own would be in order.

Enlisting Walter’s help, she had him search for a suitable property.

‘I want it to be large enough for Rani, and myself, with plenty of room for entertaining, and at a reasonable rent. I intend to have lots and lots of parties.’

‘Are you really sure you’re not getting in too deep?’

‘Don’t worry,’ smiled Jade. ‘I’ll have Rani to keep me in line. And we can have the place to ourselves when she’s at the hospital.’

That offer was enough to ensure that Walter gave the project his most diligent attention.

Exams finished, the girls were once again free to unwind.

Jade had completed her final exams, and could now look for suitable employment, while Rani would soon commence her specialist training, and was looking forward to relaxing, after the many months of solid study and long hours in the hospital.

Walter reported that he had found the perfect place for them. It was located not far from their present lodgings, and consisted of a duplex owned by an elderly couple who occupied one portion of the premises, and rented the other.

Rani and Jade agreed to meet Walter at the premises, to see if they liked it, and then Jade would sign a lease.

The girls met Walter outside the freshly painted premises, and, after knocking, they were escorted through the rental property by the elderly wife of the owner.

Both Jade and Rani loved the airy premises, and were most impressed with the small yard at the rear. Jade saw it as being ideal for summer entertaining. She could not wait to sign the lease and was about to do so when the owner arrived home.

His wife made the introductions, and indicated the lease forms that were about to be signed. Picking them up, he folded them and crammed them into his pocket.

‘No single women and especially no coloureds,’ He snarled. ‘Get out.’

Rani blushed deeply, and appeared to be about to burst into tears, while Jade felt a searing pain of cold fury. She saw that Walter was about to say something, but placed a hand on his arm to restrain him. ‘Let’s get out of here,’ she said quietly.

They sat together, listening to the jazz band in the Golden Stag. All three were quiet, lost in their own thoughts, as they nursed the beers before them.

Walter was furious, and considered what sort of legal action he could instigate on the girls behalf.

Rani’s eyes were downcast, she felt as though someone had slapped her face in public, and was at a loss as to how to retaliate.

Jade’s eyes were narrowed, deep in thought, mind far away. She turned to Walter. ‘How much change do you have? I need to make a phone call.’

Walter turned out his pockets, and handed her whatever small change he had, then watched as Jade collected it, and made her way to the public phone in the hall leading to the toilets.

She was gone some time, but seemed happier when she returned.

‘The Commodore will be contacting your firm in the next few days. Do whatever he asks. He’ll be acting as my agent.’

‘What’s going on?’

‘You’ll see,’ replied Jade grimly.

It had taken a few weeks, but now Jade’s plan was in place.

Jade, Rani and Walter took a casual stroll, enjoying the sights, as they travelled the short distance to the street where the duplex was located. Approaching the house, they made themselves comfortable, sitting on the brick front fence, as close to the front door as they could get, and settled down to watch.

Several minutes later, at a prearranged time, a family of Jamaicans, consisting of mother, father, and six small children, entered the street, and made their way to the front door of the rental property.

The children were excited at the prospect of a new adventure. They laughed, and shouted, jumping up and down in anticipation, while their father pulled a key from his pocket, and inserted it in the front door.

The excited voices of the children, who were running around the front yard, playing a game of tag, alerted the residents of the quiet street. Faces appeared in windows, as residents sought the cause of all the noise. The trio watched in gleeful anticipation, as the curtain on the front window of the duplex was pulled aside by the elderly male owner.

Seconds later, the front door burst open, as he came rushing out. ‘What the devil’s going on here?’ he demanded of the large Jamaican male next-door.

‘We’re movin’ in, mon,’ said the father of the family.

‘You can’t do that!’ screamed the elderly man in complete shock. ‘ Get out! Move! Get on your way!’

‘We have a lease,’ piped up the mother of the herd of children.

‘You can’t have!’ Spluttered the owner. ‘Let me see it.’

‘Here it is, mon.’

The old man read the lease, going white with rage. ‘This is my house. Get out of here!’ he demanded.

Realising his part in the drama was about to take place, Walter adjusted his coat, and stepped forward.

‘Perhaps I can be of assistance. I’m a lawyer,’ he offered.

‘I have a lease, but dis man say I cannot live here.’ His children chattered noisily behind him.

‘May I see it?’ asked Walter.

The man handed the document to Walter, who took his time reading its contents, and then turned to the landlord. ‘Is this your signature at the bottom of the lease?’ Walter asked the landlord, as he showed him the document.

‘Yes. But that lease was taken out by an elderly white gentleman.’

Ignoring the landlord’s comments, Walter turned to the father. ‘Is this your signature on the lease?’

‘Yes.’

‘And did you pay six months’ rent in advance in cash?’

‘Yessuh.’

Walter turned to the landlord. ‘Well then, it would appear that this gentleman, and his delightful family, will be occupying this premises for at least the next six months.’

‘I said, go away! Get away from my house immediately!’ screamed the landlord.

‘Of course, you could get the police to order them to go,’ offered Walter, ‘but I believe the police may be forced to take this gentleman’s side of the argument. If that were to be the case then you’ll have to get a court order to remove them. That should take about six months, and their lease will be up by then anyway. However, I think they might have quite a good case of Breach of Contract of their own to take before the court. It’s all there in black and white, if you’ll excuse the expression. I should think they might be in line for a sizable settlement.’

The old man’s white face was now red with fury, as he realised that it was a legitimate document, and that he had no recourse but to abide by it. Six months, he thought, we would have to put up with them next-door for six months. The whole thing is intolerable.

With a grin like a Cheshire cat, Walter handed the lease back to the father, while the landlord, swearing under his breath, turned on his heel, and retreated to the sanctity of his home, slamming the door, and causing the front windows to rattle.

Walter returned to his companions, bowing deeply. An actor taking his curtain calls, as the girls clapped him heartily. They all cheered, as the family disappeared inside, taking up residence in their new home.

Later that evening, the three were once again sipping their beers at the Golden Stag.

‘How did you do it?’ asked Rani.

Jade smiled. ‘I had the Commodore inspect the premises and apply to lease it. The Commodore requested to pay six months’ in advance in cash if he could take the lease away for his solicitor to inspect, and for him to sign. The greedy old bastard agreed to anything to get his hands on the rent money. When the Commodore brought the lease and the money back, he was more interested in the money than the name on the lease. He didn’t realise there was a completely different name on it.’

Walter smiled at Jade. ‘Well you certainly got your revenge, but you still have to find a place to live.’

‘Oh, didn’t I tell you?’

‘What?’

‘I had your father ring up that old bastard. He offered to buy the whole premises for a small amount over the market price, on behalf of an anonymous client.’

‘And he accepted the offer?’

‘With those nasty coloured people next-door? Of course he accepted the offer. We’ll be moving in as soon as the sale goes through.’

‘You’re unbelievable!’ exclaimed Rani.

Jade smiled. ‘When someone upsets you, don’t get mad — get even.’

They toasted Jade and clicked their glasses, while allowing the soulful jazz music flow over them; each becoming lost in their own individual reveries.

Rani had come to realise that no matter how far she advanced, or would advance in the future, there would always be someone that thought they were better, based solely on the colour of their skin, or some other measure over which she had absolutely no control. It was depressing, but she would have to accept that it would always be a part of her life, but she determined that, in the future, such a condition of life would cease to exist.

Jade’s thoughts turned to her money. She was now coming to terms with the sort of power that could be derived from having almost unlimited funds on hand, for her to spend as she wished.

Revenge today, had been a gratifying, but nonetheless expensive experience. She realised that, in future, she would have to be careful what she did with the money. It had the potential to affect the lives of not only herself, but also the people around her. Spending the money for her own pleasure was all well and good, but it had its downside as well, if not done properly.

She was determined to leave her money with Groom and Son, until she had a clearer picture of what she wished to do with her funds.

Walter smiled, as he placed the empty glass on the table before him. Today had been a truly rewarding experience. Jade’s lesson had shown him a facet of the human character that he intended to exploit to its fullest in the future.

Walter’s measurement of people’s worth had, until today, relied not on their character, colour, or abilities, but purely on how wealthy they were. Now he had seen that not everyone saw people the way he did. Now he could see how much bigotry played a part in people’s lives, and how much it could affect their judgement. Jade had shown him how a person’s bigotry could be used as a tool against them.

He smiled, as he realised just how many ways there were to use this information.

This would not be the last time that Walter would use bigotry to his profit.