The Locksmith by Linda Calvey (reading in the dark .TXT) 📕

pretty pale pink blouse patterned with tiny flowers, and a pink headband to keep back her shining hair. She had even applied a small amount of make-up, blush for her cheeks and a touch of red lipstick. Cathy felt a sudden urge to cry as she looked at her beautiful daughter; a woman stepping out into the wider world.

Ruby sensed the conflicting emotions her mum was feeling; the strange pull of wanting Ruby to stay a child for ever, and the opposite urge to send her out into the world to find her place in it. She gave her mum a sweet smile and before they could say anything else, she nodded. Cathy nodded back, there was no need for words. They understood each other completely.

‘Don’t worry, Mum, I’ll be back about 6 p.m. for dinner,’ Ruby said eventually. ‘You OK?’ Cathy, who was usually ready with a smile, looked tired. Ruby had noticed dark rings under her eyes lately and she looked a bit paler.

‘Course I am, love. Don’t worry about me. Off you go and good luck, darlin’,’ Cathy answered. Satisfied, Ruby picked up the handbag Cathy had treated her to especially for work. It was from the market, and her mum didn’t usually approve, knowing they were forgeries or nicked, but she realised Ruby had to look the part so this time she gave way.

Ruby caught the bus, feeling utterly exhilarated, and more than a little nervous. She knew she was lucky to have landed the role. She was given the nod by a friend of a friend whose aunt worked in the administration department. Ruby knew there were many more capable girls, as she hadn’t passed her Pitman typing test yet, but she’d somehow impressed her future employers at the interview.

It was Ruby’s first big break, and she’d grabbed it with both hands. That day, her future seemed to shine a path in front of her. At the office, the women all looked up as she walked the length of the room, the clicking on the computer keyboards almost universally stopped. Ruby managed a smile, hoping she looked more confident than she felt. An older woman wearing large glasses and with permed hair showed her to her desk.

‘You’ll be sitting here. Don’t worry, it’s all quite simple. Once you’ve mastered the computer you’ll be typing out letters to some of the companies we import goods from,’ the woman said.

‘Thank you, I’m sure I’ll be fine,’ murmured Ruby, hoping her hands wouldn’t shake as she tried her first faltering movements on the great big machine sitting on her desk. It all looked so high-tech, so complicated.

‘Yes, we import luxury products from all over the world, and supply places like Harrods and Liberty. I expect you’ve heard of those.’ It was a statement rather than a question.

Ruby nodded, smiling broadly this time. ‘Yes, I’ve definitely heard of those.’

Ruby could hardly believe that she, a girl from Canning Town, was sitting in an office that sent beautiful things like real designer handbags, luxurious clothes and jewellery to the poshest shops in London, and the world. She looked down at the fake Gucci bag her mum had bought her, knowing it would’ve taken a big chunk out of the weekly budget. One day, I’ll buy real Gucci bags for Mum and designer clobber for everyone, she thought fervently to herself. One day . . .

Work went well and at 5 p.m. Ruby caught the bus back to the East End, walking in just in time for tea.

‘It’s liver and spuds, sorry, darlin’,’ Cathy said as she walked in, her face alight at seeing her daughter.

‘That’s all right, Mum, I’m starvin’, I’d eat anythin’ right now.’

‘Tell us everythin’ but wash yer ’ands first and sit at the table, we’re waitin’ for ya,’ her mum bustled, touching her daughter’s arm to show her she’d been thinking of her throughout the day.

Louie was already home, eager to hear about his daughter’s first day of work, and Bobby had slouched in early too. He was fast becoming a valued member of the locksmith apprentices. He seemed to have a light touch, and almost instinctive way of unlocking even the most complex locks. The firm had already indicated that they would make him an employee when his training was finished.

‘Well, go on, sis, spit it out,’ Bobby encouraged.

They all looked at her expectantly, making her burst out laughing. ‘It was great, really it was. They buy designer clothes and expensive watches from companies abroad and ship them over to London and sell them at Harrods. You wouldn’t believe the invoices I’ve seen today, some of those things cost a fortune, more than we’ll all make in a lifetime,’ Ruby said swallowing her first mouthful.

‘My goodness, that sounds somethin’ doesn’t it, Louie?’ Cathy sighed again, a wistful smile growing on her face. ‘Sounds a bit special, that job. Good for you, darlin’, for landin’ it.’

‘Don’t forget that they’re lucky to ’ave ya,’ added her dad, always eager to see the best in her, which she loved him for.

‘Don’t forget to bring some of that posh clobber home!’ Bobby chipped in. ‘It’s the only way we’ll ever see that kind of flash gear! I bet they won’t miss a few Chanel handbags. Go on, Rube, nick a few bits for us.’

Cathy instantly snapped, ‘You won’t “nick” anythin’, either of you. I don’t want to hear you say that!’

Louie looked stern too. ‘It ain’t a joke, Bobby. We’ve got what we’ve got. If others ’ave the money to throw away on a handbag then that’s their business.’

‘Sorry, Dad,’ Bobby said but he was still grinning at Ruby.

‘I won’t need to steal a damn thing. One day, I’ll be able to buy it for myself. I’ll be the head of a business like the one I work for.’

Cathy gave Ruby a small slap on her arm for swearing, but a smile played around her mouth at her daughter’s ambitions.

Ruby couldn’t help herself. She felt a mixture of elation and