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

to get it going. ‘That’s better – so where was we? Oh, yes. No, Ver-ron-eek in’t done no receivin’ of stolen goods, nor nothin’ like.’ She scowled at the two policemen. ‘And don’t go pinnin’ nothin’ on me neither. I’ve always bin as straight as a bloody pub dart. Len Drake put me in jail for twelve months in my young days when I were blinkered about him, him tellin’ the cops I were his accomplice even though I had nothin’ to do with his bleedin’ crooked deals. Never mind that I already had a kiddie – that were Will. I were lucky my friend Dolly took him in. I tell you somethin’,’ – she sent the inspector a fierce look – ‘I never want ter see the inside of that miserable place again so I won’t be riskin’ my skin ter be locked up at the King’s pleasure.’

By now, Dora’s face was red with fury and frustration.

Inspector Jackson nodded. ‘I believe we have all the information we need,’ he said, putting a hand lightly on Dora’s shoulder, which to Ronnie’s admiration she promptly shook off. ‘Constable, take Miss Dummitt and Miss Linfoot back to the boats.’

‘So yer sayin’ we’re free ter go, Inspector?’

‘You are.’

‘That were quick.’ Dora narrowed her eyes at him. ‘Seems yer knew all along all the answers to them questions.’

Inspector Jackson actually broke into a half smile. ‘Perhaps we did, but we have to make certain,’ he said, turning to Michael who’d risen to his feet. ‘You’ve got William Drake’s report, Constable?’

‘Yes, it’s here.’ Michael handed him a sheaf of papers.

The inspector grimaced. ‘Good. We’ll charge him. It’ll be his third time in his short life.’

Dora walked out of the room, her chin high, Ronnie following, not allowing her eyes to stray one second to Michael who was holding open the door, her mind too desperate to take in all that had transpired at the station just now.

What a shock, Dora being Will’s mother. The father sounded a dreadful man and Will didn’t sound much better. No wonder Dora never acknowledged him as her son. Poor Dora. Thank goodness Dolly had been such a good friend to her.

Will. Ronnie briefly shut her eyes, ashamed of how foolish she’d been over him, sticking up for him even when Jess had told her bluntly never to be alone with him, and Dora had specifically warned her to stay away. Dora knew only too well that he would let her down. And so he had – telling such an outright lie which might have been enough to send her to some sort of reform place herself. She shuddered. Why? What did he have against her? He was the first boy ever to kiss her. That first time had been swift and cheeky, but it had stayed with her, and she’d built him up to something more than he was. But that second kiss … She felt her cheeks flame, recalling how shocked she’d been, tearing herself out of his embrace. That must be it. He was angry that she’d acted like a baby.

But she hadn’t been a baby when Michael kissed her. For the first time in her life she’d felt like a woman. His kiss hadn’t ended like that one of Will’s at all. Michael’s was tender and full of affection – or so she’d thought. And she’d instinctively returned his kiss. But the few times he’d spoken in the interview room, he hadn’t directed anything whatsoever to her. She could feel a spark of resentment within her, building to something like rage.

Outside, he’d made sure she and Dora were safely in the rear seat before he got into the driver’s seat, though he didn’t say a word.

Ronnie watched as Michael removed his helmet and laid it on the spare front seat, then started the engine. Sitting immediately behind him, Ronnie could study the back of his head without Dora realising. His nut-brown hair was shiny clean, and she couldn’t help noticing his ears were a good shape and lay close to his head. Angrily, she drew herself up. She had no business thinking such things. He couldn’t have made it plainer that their dance was something of the moment and now he’d dismissed it. No doubt he’d had a few drinks that evening which would have put him in a rosy mood. He was probably courting Penelope by now.

That thought made her cringe.

As though he’d tapped into her head, Michael twisted his neck round, startling her.

‘Are you all right in the back?’ He glanced at Dora but his gaze lingered on Ronnie.

Ronnie’s mouth was too dry to answer.

‘Yes,’ Dora said tersely. ‘All I want ter do now is get back ter the boats and finish my pipe.’

‘I’ll get you there in no time,’ he said.

True to his word, he pulled up on the slushy road as close as he could to the towpath, then nipped out and opened the rear door.

‘Thank you, officer,’ Dora said, climbing out of the back of the police car. She looked at Ronnie and frowned as though battling with herself. ‘Yous’d better ask the officer in fer a cup of brew, miss.’

‘I’d like that very much,’ Michael said quickly, as though to pre-empt any argument from Ronnie.

But the thought of her and Michael cramped into the small cabin under the curious stares of Jess and Angela filled Ronnie with alarm, especially the way she felt about him now. But there was nothing she could do.

Dora gave Michael a stern look. ‘Don’t keep her long, mind. I’ve got plenty of work ter get through.’

‘I won’t,’ he said, and followed Ronnie to Penelope.

He put his hand out for Ronnie to climb over the towpath onto the deck but she pretended not to see it.

Only Lucky looked up as Ronnie dropped into the cabin, thankful neither Jess nor Angela were there. She stroked the little cat’s head and told her she was a good girl, then filled the kettle to make the tea, all the