Watching. Jeff Edwards

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СКАЧАТЬ 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 СКАЧАТЬ