THE DEPRIVED... Chapter 2...Part 4.

A continuation of my book.

It was just turning to an evening’s mist and seeming to darken as Mary crossed Whitechapel Road and continued to hurry up and through to Commercial Road and on to Aldgate. Here the atmosphere grew grimmer with the sky darkening to an angry purple as if the night bruised the sky overhead. Mary saw the lights of the Seven Bells tavern and paused at the door, hearing the noise of laughter and music from the badly played piano. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door open and walked into the tavern. The thick air of tobacco smoke and stale beer seemed to hit her in the face so that she coughed as she peered through the dull of yellow gas lamps.
Henry, Danny’s strong-arm was at the bar and had obviously been instructed to wait for Mary to arrive.
“Danny’s waiting for you.” he said, his voice heavy with accent. “Follow me.”
Mary walked behind him, looking neither left nor right although she was well aware of the abated noise and the women who watched her as she passed before turning to whisper to each other. Danny sat at a table in a small booth which had been curtained off from the main room.
“I’m glad you came, Mary.”
Danny rose from the chair, offering the chair opposite then re-sat as she seated herself.
“Henry, get Mary a brandy.”
Henry inclined his head then left the booth.
“I would rather not drink.” said Mary shyly.
Danny smiled.
“It’s only to warm you up and gain a little ease in yourself.” he said.
Secretly, Mary agreed with him, feeling very nervous. Henry returned with a glass which looked suspiciously full. Putting the glass in front of Mary, Henry left.
“Drink up.” said Danny, raising the glass he held to his lips.
Mary sipped at the drink, feeling its heat burning her throat and stomach as it went down. As she drank she could feel her inhibitions loosening, her head becoming light.
“Now.” said Danny, suddenly serious. “As you know, I’m here to make money and won’t pay out when there’s no return. You do understand that there are no free meal-tickets?”
Mary nodded.
“Good. I’m glad you understand. I say that so you will understand that you are here to work and I have a good idea how to make us both a decent wage.”
Danny leaned forward, businesslike.
“Here’s what I intend to do with you. This booth will be your quarter and where you will stay. I do expect you to wear something which will be more appropriate for the work you will do and the clothes prepared for you are upstairs in Goldie’s room. You can go up with Goldie and change into them when you come each night and leave them here when you leave. Is that alright?”
Mary was unsure but now with the brandy giving more confidence, especially in Danny who smiled at her easily, she agreed with his demands.
“What do I have to do?” she asked.
“All you have to do is look pretty and every so often just wander round the saloon. The men directed to your booth will be hand-chosen for their appearance and obvious wealth. All you have to do is to talk to them and keep them tempted and at the same time have them supplying you and themselves with drink. Yours will be coloured water and theirs champagne if possible.”
Danny laughed lightly, his ease of manner and the way he pulled out the gold fob watch as if this was just all in a day’s work put Mary very much at ease. Taking a sip of drink, she smiled at him in return.
“Henry!”
Henry appeared quickly, opening the curtain. It was obvious he had been waiting outside.
“Henry. Find Goldie and bring her here.” ordered Danny.
Goldie was as big and as false as the yellow hair piled up upon her head, a large-breasted and voluptuous woman with a voice as loud as her personality.
“Goldie, this little flower here is Mary.” said Danny.
“Charmed I’m sure.” declared Goldie, giving Mary a curtsy. “Do I eat her or mother her?” she added.
Danny stared at her and she went very quiet, her face frightened. Once again Mary felt the power of the man and understood he would be very violent if he chose to be.
“I want you to take very good care of Mary and make sure no-one takes any liberties with her. Henry will also be there if he’s needed. Now take her upstairs to your room and help her dress then bring her back down here, is that understood?”
Goldie simply nodded and waited for Mary to stand.
“Come with me, dearie.” she said.