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

Rusty’s eyes were doleful as Ronnie told him to be a good boy.

‘Telephone me as soon as you arrive,’ Simone called as Ronnie had just breathed a sigh of relief that the door would close behind her at any second.

She grimaced. Maman would never understand that she didn’t have access to a telephone whenever she wanted.

‘Thank God you’re back.’ Jessica swooped upon Ronnie as soon as she saw her walking along the towpath. ‘It’s been hell here.’

‘What’s happened?’

Raine had warned Ronnie not to bring up the black-marketing subject unless anyone else did. ‘Someone will, there’s no doubt about that,’ her sister had said, ‘but it will be interesting to hear from them first before you go spouting off – particularly with this Dora woman.’

Ronnie brought herself back to Jess who was regarding her with narrowed eyes.

‘Surely you know.’ Jessica took one of her bags. ‘Didn’t the police come and see you about the black-marketing racket? That sergeant who was here before, and a constable – but not our Michael Scott. They talked to all of us and I heard the sergeant ask where you were. Dora was obliged to give them your address. Did they turn up?’

‘Oh, them,’ Ronnie said, making her voice casual. ‘They were just making a few enquiries.’

‘From what you’ve told me about her, I bet your French mother threw a fit.’

‘No, she didn’t,’ Ronnie said untruthfully. ‘There was no reason for her to. I wasn’t under any suspicion or anything.’

‘Really?’ Jessica’s pencilled brows shot up. ‘They showed us an expensive camera and asked us if we’d seen it before. We said no. Then they asked us who the bicycle belonged to and Dora casually told them we all used it, but Angela immediately said it was yours. They asked if we knew anyone with the initials W.D. and Angela chimed in again with “Will Drake, Ronnie’s boyfriend”.’

‘She can’t keep her mouth shut, can she?’ Ronnie said bitterly. It all fell into place now.

‘They implied the camera was stolen property and that as they found it in your bike’s saddlebag it was in your possession.’

‘I didn’t possess it. I never even knew about it until yesterday when the police told me.’

‘I believe you – thousands wouldn’t,’ Jessica chuckled. When Ronnie opened her mouth to protest, she said, ‘Sorry, couldn’t help that. I know you’re not involved with anything crooked. But you already know how I feel about Will Drake.’ She gave Ronnie a sharp look as though to ascertain her reaction, then shrugged. ‘Well, I’d better warn you that Dora’s looking for some answers. But that’s the least of it. I can’t stand living with bloody Angela. Thank God I can escape for a couple of days.’

‘Is Lucky all right?’ Ronnie asked, feeling awful she hadn’t enquired before now.

‘Yes, I’ve made sure of that – but Angela is making a meal out of sneezing every time Lucky brushes past her. She hasn’t forgiven Deadly Dora for allowing Lucky to stay on board. I can’t tell whether the sneezing is put on or not, and quite honestly, I don’t care. Lucky’s a dear little cat. I think I’d have gone even more crazy without her making me laugh.’

Immediately, Ronnie warmed to her friend. She’d been worried about leaving Lucky under Jess’s care, but she needn’t have. Jess obviously liked cats and had come up trumps.

As for that police visit, she would do as Raine said – forget it.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Ronnie decided that unless Dora brought up the subject of whether she’d had a visit from the police, she wouldn’t mention it. Jessica and Angela disappeared for their short leave and Dora was busy giving some last instructions before the five trainees would take over their own boats in a fortnight’s time. Ronnie gave an inward sigh of relief. She’d been worrying about nothing.

The two weeks fairly flew by and Ronnie couldn’t believe it was now February. The snow had only just begun to melt and it was the last two days that Ronnie and the other girls would be working together with Dora.

Minutes later Dora put her head through the hatch.

‘Both boats must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out terday before we split up,’ she said. ‘And I’ll be doin’ the inspection.’

Jessica groaned and Dora sent her a stern glance.

‘Ver-ron-eek, you and Jess and Angela will keep with the same boats, and May and Sally will be goin’ with me to another pair of boats where they’ll meet the new member of the team – Laura McKay. She’s a Scot, but she can’t help it.’ Dora roared with laughter.

Oh, no. They weren’t going to be stuck with Angela from now on, surely. Ronnie glanced at Jess. Would she say anything to Dora? To her surprise her friend simply stared ahead. She was probably right. Once Dora had made a decision there was no point in arguing.

Late that afternoon they tied up at Uxbridge.

‘Any volunteers to pick up the post at the post office?’ Dora asked as the six of them were squashed into Persephone’s cabin.

‘I’ll go,’ Ronnie said immediately.

Several of the girls said they would be busy packing with the forthcoming move and as usual Angela didn’t volunteer.

‘Can yer find yer way, miss?’ Dora said.

‘Of course, Miss Dummitt. I shall quite enjoy it.’

‘Don’t make an expedition of it.’ She gave a few puffs on her pipe. ‘I expect yer back before dark.’

‘I will be.’

Ronnie felt a little skip of excitement as she took Margaret’s bicycle out of the cratch. An escape. And not having to listen to constant chit-chat. If only she had Rusty it would be perfect. How she missed him. He used to love their walks together.

‘I’ve come to pick up the post for Miss Dora Dummitt,’ Ronnie told the short balding man behind the counter. ‘There might be some letters with other names on them,’ she explained. ‘We’re working on the boats and are moored on the canal.’

‘What names would they all be?’ he said, peering myopically at her over the top of his