Christmas to Come: a heartbreaking coming of age saga set in London's East End Carol Rivers (best sales books of all time .txt) 📖

'Course it is, Dol. You can pawn it for two-and-six any time.'

Dolly's eyes rolled. 'Oh, be quiet you.'

'It's lovely, Dolly, gorgeous.'

'When is the wedding?' Gina enquired.

'Next summer.' Dolly went redder than ever. 'Bella, would you be my bridesmaid? I know it's a long way off, but you're always so busy I thought it was best to ask you now. And of course, it would be lovely if Micky could come, and you Gina and – ' Suddenly tears filled Dolly's bright eyes and Percy put his arm around her.

'What's up, my treasure?'

'I don't know. I'm just being silly.'

Gina sipped at her replenished drink. 'Tears of joy, no doubt.'

'It's all been such a shock,' Dolly gasped. 'I never thought this would ever happen to me, plain old Dolly Taylor.'

'You'll be Mrs Percy Shine,' Percy pointed out as he squeezed her shoulder. 'We'll be two shiners together.'

Dolly and Percy laughed.

'Where are you going to live?' Bella asked.

'We're saving up to rent a place. Somewhere near Poplar we thought. It'll only be a couple of rooms, but at least it will be ours.'

'One for me and one for you.' Percy winked.

Dolly began to talk about her wedding and what they had planned already. It was to be held at Christ Church, the reception at Chapel House Street and the honeymoon in Devon.

Bella was envious. Her friend had everything that she had always wanted herself. A romantic fiancé, a real engagement ring and a white wedding with all the trimmings, not forgetting the honeymoon. But most of all, Bella knew that Percy respected Dolly's wishes and would wait until their wedding night to make love to her.

Bella felt sad. There was no way she could see Micky walking up a church aisle and sliding a gold band on her finger. The last time he had been to church was when his mother died. He had vowed never to go near one again. She didn't even know what his views on marriage were. There was so much she didn't know about him. So much they hadn't talked about or discussed. And yet they had done the most intimate thing that two people could do together. Why hadn't she made him wait? Why had she gone to that dreadful hotel and thrown away her dignity?

The answer was, because she had been desperate to have him, call him her own. And she had been willing to do anything that he wanted. When it should of course, have been the other way round.

The months leading up to Christmas had been a big success for the Blue Moon. Ronnie was a contented man. They were on the brink of a new year and business was brisk. He had installed more billiard tables and games of dice and even though February was a known black hole for cash, the tables were busier than ever.

Ronnie surveyed the discreetly lit room and listened to the hum of conversation, the soft laughter and occasional joke. There was no trouble to be found here, no escorts, bottle parties or vice. His members sought the thrill of a challenge and a discreet wager. He provided all this without fuss, eliminating the element of real danger that came from being directly outside of the law. He was gaining a reputation for fairness and respectability and he liked that. Although it wasn't to say that he would turn his nose up at a good deal if it was offered. And he had plenty in mind over the next few years. He was going to buy bomb-damaged properties, do them up as he had done with the club and sit on them, bringing in rents from those who could afford it. He would keep books and see that it was all legit. At least, as legit as it was possible to make it.

He had seen the effects of extortion, the protection rackets and black market when he had returned from service. The rich had got rich and the poor, poorer. And this had depressed him. The Watney Streeters had been top dog in the war, a gang known for their violence and greed in the East End. But even these men were now looking for new pastures as the Hoxton boys and Islington mobs, the Italians and Maltese, even the Jamaicans and Jews were cutting themselves a slice of cake. It was like the Wild West. The gold was there, and in Ronnie's eyes he had discovered it. He was now about to stake his claim and officially, so it couldn't be taken away again. Even Micky saw the sense in becoming legit. Dad would even agree, if he was here. And at that thought Ronnie smiled inwardly. The old man had been a canny totter, one of the best. A creeper of the first class, had indulged in everything a bit iffy unbeknown to Mum, because where there was a profit Dad had his own philosophy. Take from the rich and give to family first and then to the poor and his sons loved him for it. It was a wonder they hadn't all been kitted out in Sherwood Green on the day they were born. But the world was a different place now and the Blue Moon was proof of it.

Just then Ronnie saw Gino nod in his direction. He walked casually to the bar and smiled at the customers. He sat on a stool, watching Gino expertly pump ale into a pint glass.

When the money was taken and rung into the till, Gino approached him. 'Not to worry you unnecessarily, Mr Bryant.' Barely moving his lips the young man slid his gaze to the right. 'It's them over there. They're the Indigo's boys.'

Slowly Ronnie adjusted his position. He noted two men sitting at a table in the corner. 'You're certain?'

'Positive. The big one is Sammy Stratton's doorman, the other is a runner for Tony. I used to work there, only for a few weeks, but