Capital Affair by Dan Henley

Author:Dan Henley
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781839758560
Publisher: Grosvenor House Publishing
Published: 2021-09-24T12:08:56+00:00

Wednesday, 2 May 1956, 7.30 p.m.

Betty was nearly an hour late, but that wasn’t unusual, especially when it came to social gatherings. Getting ready for an evening out, especially one that included Rita, was a long drawn-out process that bordered on torment.

Rita opened the door, stunning as ever in a red cocktail dress.

‘Betty!’

‘Hello, love.’ Betty was out of breath, having trotted most of the way from the Underground station and up the stairs. Her glasses steamed up as she removed her coat and hat. ‘Sorry I’m a bit behind.’

‘Saved the best for last!’ Rita said, and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Come on through.’

Alice called out a hello from behind the drinks cabinet.

Four bottles of champagne stood on the dining table. Two were already empty. ‘Wow, I guess we’re pushing the boat out a bit tonight then! I feel bad. I should’ve—’

‘I’ll not have any of that!’ Rita said. ‘Now, go and take your seat and I’ll get the cards and some nibbles.’

Betty walked over to the table. The party atmosphere surprised her, given recent events. She looked at Alice quizzically.

‘Rita hasn’t told you then?’

Betty shook her head.

‘The bastard’s left her a note. Here, get some of this down you,’ Alice said, and poured Betty a glass of champagne.

Betty took a sip and felt uneasy. It was the real thing.

The silence that followed was uncomfortable. She’d never quite seen eye to eye with Alice, though didn’t doubt her care for Rita.

‘Cat caught your tongues?’ Rita asked, and placed a platter on the table.

‘It’s all so lovely,’ Betty said. ‘Thank you.’

‘Tell her then!’ Alice said.

Rita grinned. ‘David left a note. He’s got the money. I’ll have it tomorrow night provided I give him the tape. And Joan’s left him into the bargain!’

‘And whose bloody amazing idea was the tape, Rita?’ Alice said.

‘Yes, credit where it’s due! Now, ladies’ – Rita raised a glass – ‘here’s to justice!’

Betty took the smallest of sips.

‘You all right?’ Alice said.

‘Yes, I … I suppose it’s good it’s all finally dealt with.’

‘Well you could look a little happier,’ Rita said.

‘It just there’s been so much hurt, hasn’t there?’ Betty said. ‘I mean, to you mostly, of course, but there’s his wife and daughter—’

‘Oh, don’t you go there!’ Alice said. ‘He should’ve thought of that before—’

‘I quite agree, but—’

‘Doesn’t seem like it.’

‘All right, girls,’ Rita said. ‘Let’s keep it friendly. It’s a party!’

‘I’m sorry,’ Betty said, and she was, but she was concerned too.

‘Well, I think it’s nice she’s got such a big heart,’ Rita said.

Alice smirked. ‘Bloody soft if you ask me!’

Rita and Alice laughed and Betty feigned a smile.

‘I have another idea,’ Alice said. ‘How about we do another taping session just in case you find yourself a bit short down the line?’

Rita and Alice burst out laughing.

‘I’m kidding, Betty!’ Alice said. ‘Jesus, lighten up a bit!’

‘Yes, well, it’s been a horrible time. I’ve been out of my mind with worry.’

‘And I haven’t I suppose!’ Alice said. She downed the rest of her champagne in one.

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