A Sister's War by Molly Green (the reading strategies book txt) 📕

his eyes were an unusual green and he had a cleft in his chin exactly like Cary Grant when she’d seen him for the first time in His Girl Friday.

‘No, I can see you’re not “most men”,’ he said, grinning now, ‘even with a name like Ronnie.’

‘What do you mean?’ Ronnie flashed.

‘Well, it’s a boy’s name, isn’t it?’

‘Try explaining my real name to everyone who’s never met me: where it comes from, how to spell it, how even to pronounce it. It’s enough to send me cuckoo.’

He was silent for a few seconds.

‘Actually, Véronique is a beautiful name,’ he said, pronouncing it in an English way but rather charmingly, still with his eyes on her. ‘You should use it – well, at least for special occasions.’

‘And this is one of them?’ Ronnie’s voice was coated with sarcasm.

He grinned again. ‘Maybe … maybe not.’

There was the sound of voices and one by one Angela, Sally and Margaret appeared.

‘All change,’ Angela said. ‘Oh, who have we here?’ She looked at Constable Scott and, giving him an appreciative smile, sidled so close he had to step back.

Ronnie wanted to cringe, but she made her expression one of boredom.

‘Right, Miss Linfoot, we’d better get over to the butty then,’ Constable Scott said.

He put out a helping hand for her as she negotiated the gunwale, and moments later they joined Dora, Jessica and May.

Dora was no more friendly than she’d been in the motorboat.

‘It’s all yours,’ she said, ‘but don’t be all day. We got trainin’ ter do.’

‘I’ll put the kettle on while you’re carrying out the search,’ Jessica said. ‘I’m sure everyone would welcome a cup of tea.’

Ronnie was amused to see that Dora didn’t argue with Jessica’s invitation. The policemen were hardly more than ten minutes with their search and seemed grateful to sit down to a cup of tea instead of facing the rain that was lashing harder than ever on the cabin roof.

‘If yous’ve quite finished,’ Dora said, the only one who’d refused the tea Jessica had made, ‘I must insist we’re allowed ter get on with our day. There’s no smugglin’ goin’ on here under my eye, I can assure yer. Yer wastin’ yer time. Better spent catchin’ some real crooks.’

‘Thank you, Miss Dummitt, for your co-operation.’ Sergeant Sandford stood and gestured to Constable Scott to follow suit.

Constable Scott flipped his notepad shut and shoved it in the pocket of his raincoat. He nodded to Dora, and glanced at Jessica and May, but his gaze lingered on Ronnie.

‘I hope that head heals soon,’ he said. ‘There’s quite a bump already.’

Instinctively, Ronnie put her hand to her forehead. It felt the size of an egg. Oh, she couldn’t bear it. What on earth had Will thought when he’d seen it? She must have looked a sight.

She felt the curious stares from Jessica and May as they glanced from her to the constable.

‘I’m sure it’ll have gone down by tomorrow,’ she said.

‘We’ll see to her, if not,’ Dora cut in as she rose to usher the two men through the hatch.

‘Well, well, who’s made a hit with the good-looking policeman, then?’ May chuckled.

‘Did you notice the way he looked at Ronnie?’ Jessica joined in the laughter. ‘He’s smitten.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ Ronnie said. ‘And even if he is – which he’s not – I have no interest in him at all.’

‘I don’t suppose you have after falling hook, line and sinker for that handsome biker,’ May said. ‘And we saw him kiss you on the lips right in front of Deadly Dora. He was certainly brave to do that.’ She grinned. ‘Who is he anyway?’

Ronnie felt her face redden. ‘His name is Will Drake. He knows Dora.’

‘Whether he knows her or not, she didn’t seem too pleased when she saw him kiss you,’ Jessica remarked.

‘He did it on purpose to annoy her,’ Ronnie said. ‘It didn’t mean anything.’

‘Apparently, it meant a lot to you,’ May said. ‘Have a look in the mirror, why don’t you. Shining eyes, flushed cheeks …’

‘Stop it, both of you,’ Ronnie said sharply, her temper rising.

‘Only teasing,’ Jessica said. ‘But seriously, Ronnie, I think you should steer clear of this Will Drake. It’s very strange for someone that young to have all that money.’

‘I don’t know what you mean,’ Ronnie said. ‘He hasn’t flashed any money around me.’

‘Have you looked at his motorbike?’ Jessica said. ‘I know a bit about these things. It’s a Norton. One of the best brands you can buy. Okay, it’s several years old but still …’ She shook her head. ‘And how does he get petrol, is what I want to know. I’m surprised he hasn’t been stopped by the police.’ She glanced at Ronnie. ‘I bet those two canal policemen would be very interested in him.’

Ronnie couldn’t think how to answer.

‘Even his leather jacket,’ Jessica persisted. ‘Sheepskin lined – surely you can see how expensive that must have been.’

Ronnie went quiet. She remembered thinking how his jacket had reminded her of Raine’s flying jacket, but she hadn’t given it any more thought. Now Jessica was making her feel uncomfortable.

‘Why hasn’t he been called up?’ May asked.

‘I don’t know. I don’t know any of those things.’ Ronnie looked at both girls, wishing they would just leave her to have a bit of peace. Why were they so determined to put her off Will? He couldn’t possibly be interested in her – a girl he’d only met this morning for the first time, and who’d looked like something the cat dragged in when he’d seen her only a few hours later at the lock.

‘I think you should find out,’ Jessica said. ‘I bet he’s evading conscription.’

‘It’s none of my business,’ Ronnie said pointedly. ‘I have no interest in either Will Drake or the constable you say is so good-looking. You’re both making something out of nothing, so please drop the subject.’

She was thankful that Dora banged on the side of the cabin at that moment, then put her head in the hatch.

‘We’re lettin’ go so