Playing With Fire

  Table of Contents

  About the Author

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  For Better, For Worse

  Born in Belfast, Mary Larkin is a housewife. She moved to Darlington with her husband and three sons in 1974 and has lived there ever since.

  When not writing, she divides her time between Darlington, where her youngest grandchildren, Declan, Joseph and Thomas live, and Pickering, North Yorkshire, where her eldest son and his wife live: the main attraction there being her two granddaughters Louise and Coleen. She also manages to visit Belfast twice a year to meet old friends and relatives and to research her novels.

  Also by Mary A. Larkin

  THE WASTED YEARS

  TIES OF LOVE AND HATE

  FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE

  Playing with Fire

  MARU A LARKIN

  Hachette Digital

  www.littlebrown.co.uk

  An Orion ebook

  Published by Hachette Digital 2008

  Copyright © Mary A. Larkin 2001

  The moral right of the author has been asserted.

  All characters in this publication are fictitious and any

  resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

  retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,

  without the prior permission in writing of the publisher,

  nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover

  other than that in which it is published and without

  a similar condition including this condition being imposed

  on the subsequent purchaser.

  A CIP catalogue record for this book

  is available from the British Library.

  eISBN 978 0 7481 0893 0

  This ebook produced by JOUVE, FRANCE

  Hachette Digital

  An imprint of

  Little, Brown Book Group

  100 Victoria Embankment

  London EC4Y 0DY

  An Hachette Livre UK Company

  I dedicate this book to my daughters-in-law,

  Debbie and Helen, and my sons,

  Con, Paul and Edan.

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to

  Shelagh Peacock of Darlington, Cath Holden,

  also of Darlington, and Sue & Billy McDowell from

  Belfast, whose special assistance was invaluable.

  Author’s Note

  The geographical areas portrayed in Playing With Fire

  actually exist and historic events referred to in the course

  of the story are, to the best of my knowledge, authentic.

  However, I would like to emphasise that the story is

  fictional, all characters fictitious and any resemblance to

  real persons, living or dead, purely coincidental.

  Chapter One

  Nervously Susan Cummings followed her friend up the stairs that led to the Club Orchid dance hall. Each Sunday night saw them outside the Club Orchid on the corner of King Street where they met for their weekly venture into modern ballroom dancing. In the small cloakroom Ruth Vernon met Susan’s eyes in the mirror and asked excitedly, ‘Well? Did he turn up?’ Receiving a brief nod, she hurried on. ‘Well, what happened? Was he nice? Are you going out with him again?’

  ‘Yes, he was very nice. A perfect gentleman, if you must know. But . . . I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again.’>

  Ruth’s eyes went round with surprise and her mouth gaped slightly as she probed. ‘Why on earth not?’ Bewildered, she cried, ‘I don’t understand. Did you not fancy him after all?’

  Oh, if only that were the case, Susan lamented inwardly. But the simple truth was he hadn’t asked her for another date. They had gone to the Ritz Cinema but she couldn’t remember much about the film; just that it was a western and Jim seemed to have enjoyed it. He had held her hand throughout the film and she had been so aware of the pressure of his arm against hers, sending tingles through her body, that she lost all interest in the film and sat in a well of happiness. He had been a perfect gentleman all evening. After the film they had walked up to Johnny Long’s and each had one of his famous fish suppers. Sitting in one of the booths they had talked for ages. She had been enchanted. No long pauses punctuated the conversation, like they usually did when she was talking to the opposite sex.

  At the corner of the street where she lived, Jim had seemed taken aback as he eyed the wide avenue with its opulent houses. He made no attempt to find out which of these houses was her home. He had already realised his mistake and was content to make his good night at the corner of the street. ‘Posh, eh?’ he said and a wry smile twisted his lips. Her heart had turned a somersault when he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked down into her eyes. With all her might she willed him to kiss her, but in vain.

  ‘Susan, I’ve really enjoyed myself tonight. You’re wonderful company. Thanks for coming out with me.’ His voice was full of emotion and the back of his hand sensually trailed her cheek, but as she moved her lips towards it, it was quickly withdrawn. ‘Good night, Susan.’ To her amazement, with a light peck on the cheek he had turned tail and was gone before she could voice her concern.

  Tears pricked her eyes as abruptly she answered Ruth’s question. ‘He didn’t ask for another date.’

  ‘Didn’t ask? You’re having me on! It’s obvious he fancies you. Good heavens, he never takes his eyes off you. Even when you’re both dancing with different partners.’

  ‘Well, he didn’t ask me, so there!’ Susan cried, her frustration showing. ‘He was a perfect gentleman, so he was. He gave me a peck on the cheek and thanked me for going out with him. And that was that! He must just like dancing with me,’ she added forlornly. ‘Or perhaps he found me too boring.’

  ‘Don’t be silly! It’s obvious that he cares for you. He was probably afraid of you turning him down.’ Ruth shot a concerned look at her. ‘Were you snooty with him? You can sometimes be very snooty, you know, Susan. You take after your mam in that respect. Still, he will be here tonight, you’ll see. The minute we enter the ballroom he’ll be there like a flash, asking for a dance.’

  Susan fervently hoped her friend was right. She certainly hadn’t been uppish with him. She saved that for people she didn’t like. And she liked Jim. More than liked him. In fact, to her great consternation, she thought she was in love with him. Could these feelings possibly be love? They had danced often these past six weeks ever since they first met. She had been thrilled to bits when he had at last asked her for a date. And this was the outcome: sadness and despair.

  Fluffing her soft, dark-brown hair loose around her face, she renewed her lipstick and eyed her reflection in the mirror. Big, dark, grey eyes, set in long thick lashes, gazed mournfully back at her.

  ‘Don’t look so glum,’ her friend advised. Then, seeing the big eyes cloud with tears, Ruth added more gently, ‘You really do like him, don’t you? Never mind. Let’s hand in our coats and go and give tonight’s talent the once-over.’

  Inside the ballroom they made their way over to the side of the dance floor where all the girls gathered. A quick glance across the floor
to where the men stood and Susan felt her heart drop. Jim Brady was tall, easily identified in a crowd, and it was obvious that he was not present. Ruth squeezed her hand in sympathy. ‘It’s early yet. He’ll come,’ she whispered. ‘Don’t worry about it.’

  The music started up and two young men who had been eyeing the girls up, and slowly edging closer, approached and asked them to dance. The evening entertainment had begun. The girls were extremely good dancers and popular with the regulars. New patrons soon noticed and the girls seldom sat out a dance. The time flew past and, in spite of Jim’s non-appearance, Susan enjoyed dancing to her favourite records.

  At the intermission, while their current partners were in the pub below the dance hall getting them drinks, the girls climbed the stairs to the cloakroom to powder their noses.

  ‘For heaven’s sake cheer up, Susan. I don’t know how you’re managing to get any partners tonight! You’ve a face as long as a Lurgan spade.’

  Susan rounded on her in anger. ‘Don’t exaggerate, for goodness sake!’

  Then, catching sight of herself in the mirror, she had to agree with her friend and giggled ruefully.

  ‘That’s better. Forget Jim Brady and enjoy yourself. Maybe it’s just as well he’s not here if you care so much for him. He’s probably got more sense than you and doesn’t want to start something that can only end in tears.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘He’s a Catholic, isn’t he? Imagine your dad’s reaction if you dared bring a Catholic home. Eh? Why can’t you be like me and love them and leave them? Enjoy yourself! You wouldn’t catch me getting involved with a Catholic.’

  They were descending the stairs to the dance hall when Susan saw Jim cross the lower landing and enter the hall. Seeing the joy on her companion’s face, Ruth followed the direction of her gaze and sighed. ‘Really, Susan, you would be better off without him,’ she warned. ‘I didn’t realise that you were so keen on him.’

  ‘Oh, don’t be daft. I just like him.’

  Dismayed that she had allowed her current dance partner to monopolise her time, Susan trailed reluctantly behind Ruth to join the two lads. Jim’s swift glance quickly found her and their eyes locked. He nodded in acknowledgement. His glance also noted that she and Ruth had obviously paired off with the two young men. He eyed the unattached girls still gathered in a group to one side of the dance floor and, when the music started up again, he had already chosen his partner: a tall, willowy blonde, who entered his arms obviously delighted at the chance to dance with him.

  They passed each other often on the crowded floor, but Jim studiously avoided looking her way. Susan was annoyed with herself. She should not have allowed this stranger to stake a claim to all her dances. She might have guessed that Jim could possibly arrive late. Still, he had never been late before, so how was she to think otherwise? As the evening wore on Susan tried to think of a way to get rid of her partner without offending him, but he just would not take the hint.

  Meanwhile Jim danced all the dances with the blonde and Susan noted that the tall girl hung on his every word. Was he not going to ask her to dance with him at all? But how could he, when her partner never left her side? As the last dance was announced, and knowing that Jim would never encroach on another man’s territory, Susan was tempted to excuse herself and, leaving her partner, ask Jim for the last dance. She was saved from the embarrassment this would undoubtedly have caused by seeing Jim leading the blonde on to the dance floor at the first bar of the final waltz. Blinded by tears and seeking comfort, Susan let her partner hold her closer than was necessary. Jim made her aware of the wantonness of this action by the disdainful sneer he directed at their bodies.

  Bewildered, she pressed closer still. How dare he! How dare he look at her like that, after ignoring her all evening. To her great shame she suddenly realised the effect her actions were having on her partner. Gazing up into his dazed eyes, she pushed him away. ‘I’m sorry. Very sorry.’

  ‘No, it’s me who should be sorry. I apologise. I couldn’t help myself.’

  Breaking from his grasp she pushed through the dancers and left the ballroom. In the cloakroom she powdered her flushed face and, retrieving her coat and Ruth’s, waited impatiently for her friend. She was one of the last to arrive and, pushing through the other girls, confronted Susan.

  Edging her into a corner for some privacy, Ruth whispered furiously, ‘Just what do you think you’re playing at? Leaving that poor sod standing on the dance floor.’

  ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to offend or embarrass him.’

  ‘I don’t know how you manage it, but in spite of everything he still wants to see you home.’

  ‘Oh, no!’ Susan was aghast. ‘I don’t want him to see me home. I just want to be alone.’

  ‘Catch yourself on! Jim Brady will probably be seeing that blonde home. Show him you couldn’t care less. Anyway, I’m afraid you have no choice. I accepted for you. And I think it’s the least you can do, after the way you behaved. They will both be waiting outside for us.’

  Ruth started back in amazement when her friend gripped her arm. ‘Tell him I’ve already gone. Please, Ruth. Here, I’ve got your coat for you. You go on now and I’ll stay here as long as I can. Give you all a chance to get on your way.’

  Ruth looked at her friend’s flushed, distressed face. Heavens above, she was actually trembling. ‘What’s got into you, Susan? You’ve been leading him on all evening. It’s not like you to deliberately hurt someone.’

  ‘I don’t want to hurt him, but I will not be pressurised into his company. Not in the state I’m in at the moment.’

  ‘Oh, all right then! I’ll give you a ring tomorrow afternoon. ’ Ruth peered intently into her friend’s eyes. ‘Will you be okay on your own?’

  ‘Of course. Just get me off the hook, please.’

  Oblivious to the curious looks and whispers of the other girls, Susan waited patiently until the cloakroom emptied and she was alone. Then, stretching her limbs to relieve some of the tension from her body, she slowly left the cloakroom, knowing the staff would want to lock up as quickly as possible.

  Downstairs, she cautiously stepped on to the pavement and breathed a deep sigh of relief. The crowds had thinned out and there was no one she knew in sight. It was a beautiful evening; a time for lovers, and she felt sad as she made her way down to the bus stop. As she hurried along she became aware that someone was close behind her and glanced anxiously over her shoulder. Jim lengthened his stride and quickly joined her.

  ‘Is it all right if I see you home, Susan?’

  A quick disdainful lift of the head accompanied the derisive retort. ‘Huh! What happened to the beautiful blonde you danced with all night?’

  ‘Janet? She is attractive, isn’t she?’ He grinned and glanced sideways at Susan’s glum face. ‘However, I had no desire to see her home. I hung about outside in the hope that you wouldn’t let that big ape you were dancing with take you home.’

  ‘He’s a very nice person, so he is,’ she defended her absent partner. Turning a suspicious look on him, she frowned. ‘I didn’t see you outside.’

  ‘Well, I saw Ruth and the two lads head towards Castle Junction, but I stayed out of sight in case someone else was with you.’

  She stopped and rounded on him in anger. ‘What do you take me for? Eh? Do you really think I would dance all evening with someone and then go home with another man?’

  Gripping her by the elbows, he shook her slightly. ‘Then why isn’t he here with you now? The way you were dancing together I could see he thought he was on to a good thing.’

  ‘How dare you! If you followed me just to hurl insults, please leave me alone.’ With these words she wrenched herself free of his hold and stormed down Castle Street.

  Jim gazed after her for a few seconds, then with an exasperated sigh set off in pursuit.

  When he reached her, he was dismayed to see tears rolling down her cheeks. Drawing her into the doorway of the Bank Buildings
, he thrust a handkerchief into her hand and gathered her close.

  ‘Here now, don’t go on like that,’ he said gently. ‘I didn’t mean to upset you. It was just my jealousy getting out of hand.’

  Surprise stopped the tears and she gaped up at him in disbelief. ‘You were jealous?’

  He frowned. ‘You sound surprised.’ A quick glance at his watch caused him to exclaim. ‘Look, if we don’t hurry we’ll miss the last bus. I’ll explain later.’

  Taking her hand, he pulled her arm through his and hurried her down into the town centre and towards her bus stop. Ashamed at her outburst and thinking that she must look a sight, Susan stood in the bus queue, head bent, wishing Jim would explain what he meant. Had he really been jealous? It was hard to believe. He had appeared to be enjoying the blonde’s company. Still, the girl had looked as if she would gladly have let him escort her home, but obviously he hadn’t asked. Janet! Even her name was different - sophisticated.

  The bus arrived and the queue moved forward. At the entrance she turned sadly to wish Jim good night. To her amazement he hustled her aboard, asked for two fares and guided her upstairs to the upper deck. They sat on the back seat and he put his arm around her.

  Aware that he lived on the Upper Falls, the opposite end of town from her, she reminded him, ‘You won’t get another bus back into town at this time of night.’

  ‘I’m well aware of that,’ he said resignedly. ‘Still, it’s a beautiful night and the walk back will do me good. I can go to a late Mass in the morning. You do realise that I’m a Catholic? Don’t you?’

  She nodded and the silence lengthened. She willed him to speak, but he remained deep in thought throughout the journey. They had left the bus and were making their way to the top of her street before he spoke again.