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

heart as she left. In spite of everything Mary was still her mother and the ties of blood were strong.

'Here is a my prescription and I'll call to see her tomorrow,' Dr Cox told them as Ronnie lay Teresa on the back seat of the car.

'Thank you for coming, Dr Cox.'

'It's unimaginable how some people live,' he muttered before he walked to his own car and drove away.

'I hope you know what you're doing,' Ronnie said as they made their way back to Piper Street. 'You mother will milk this situation for it's worth.'

Bella glanced round at Teresa, covered in that filthy blanket. She knew Ronnie was right. But what else could she do for the child?

That night, after she had fed and cleaned Teresa, brushing out her hair and checking for lice, Bella tucked the child into a warm bed. She wore Michael's spare set of pyjamas, which had brought the first smile to her face. When she was comfortable, propped up by pillows, Michael brought in his toys.

'She's too tired to play tonight,' Bella whispered when Teresa fell asleep. 'But you'll have plenty of time tomorrow. Now go and say goodnight to Uncle Ron whilst I turn back your covers.'

Bella went into Michael's room and prepared his bed, resting his teddy on the pillow. When he came in, he put his arms round her neck. 'Uncle Ronnie says he'll take me up the park on Sunday.'

'That's nice. Now climb in.'

'Will Teresa be better tomorrow?' he asked as he snuggled down.

'I hope so.' Bella drew the white sheet over him as his eyes began to close.

'When's Daddy coming home?'

'Soon.'

He yawned as his eyes closed. 'I'm not tired yet.'

Bella smiled as she walked to the door. 'You will be soon.'

Outside in the hall she heard coughing. Quietly she went to the spare room.

'Is Mum all right?' Teresa whispered.

'Of course she is. It's you that we've got to get better.'

'I didn't want to go to hospital. I'm glad I came here.'

'I am too. Now close your eyes and rest.'

Bella returned to the sitting room where Ronnie was sitting by the fire. She sank down in the chair.

'Is there anything I can do to help?' Ronnie asked.

'No, you got her medicine. I think she'll sleep now.'

'The doctor said he'd call tomorrow.'

Bella smiled. 'He was very good to leave his patients.'

Ronnie frowned in the firelight. 'I've seen some bad sights but Collier Street beats most of them.'

'Mum said it was damp when the council put them there.'

Ronnie nodded. 'Prefabs were only meant as stopgaps after the war. But it's filthy too, and you can't blame that on the council.'

'Bow Street wasn't much better.'

'As I said earlier, she doesn't change.'

Bella glanced at him. 'I don't like the sound of Teresa's chest, Ron. She's very wheezy. It reminds me of how Terry used to be. And he still goes down badly when he gets a cold.'

'How is he doing at the garage?'

Bella smiled. 'He loves it. I don't see much of him now as he's always there. It's his second home and Milo treats him very well, pays him out of his own pocket too, if he's done a good job.'

'It's Micky's job to do that, isn't it?' Ronnie asked, suddenly looking up.

'Micky's not always around on pay-day, so he settles up with Milo when he seems him.' Bella didn't mention the Fortune taking up more and more of Micky's time as she sensed it was a sore subject with Ronnie.

Ronnie gave a soft sigh and shrugged. 'Well, just as long as Terry seems happy enough.' He stretched his back and stood up. 'I'm off then. When will Micky be home?'

'Oh, soon, I'm sure,' she nodded.

'Do you want me to stay?'

Bella shook her head quickly. 'No, I've got things to do and the dinner to cook.' She walked with him to the door.

'Try not to worry,' he told her gently. 'And if there is anything you want – just ask.'

'Thanks, Ron.'

Bella listened to the sound of his boots on the steps. What would she have done without his help today?

It was past midnight when Micky arrived home. The airey was still warm and the standard lamp was giving out a soft light. He took off his coat and hung it on the back of a chair, flexing his knuckles and stretching his arms as he did so. He felt as though he had run into a brick wall. Which, in a sense he had. The car had glanced him, sending him crashing into the alley and the dustbins, rolling along the cobbles until he'd ended up by the railings. He was cornered then, boxed in when McNee's two heavies climbed out and strode towards him. They would have knocked six bells out of him if Ivor and his mates hadn't come out of the club.

Micky felt the tiredness sweep over him. His body needed time to recover, not that his injuries had affected him last night. The memory of Suzy's hard, firm breasts pressed against him, her lips and her eagerness to please still lingered. He would have to find another gaff though. Her one room was a dump. If he invested in a flat in Soho, she could visit him there. And now that Norman had sold the Aldgate flat to a tight-fisted old bookmaker, he needed somewhere else for Leyla. As soon as he had taken care of McNee he would see to it.

Micky stood, massaging his bruised sides and thinking about Leyla, Suzi and the new smoke that was coming in with the Jamaicans. Powerful stuff, their baccy, as he and Suzi could testify. Trouble was, he had lost twenty-four hours from his life whilst smoking it. Now he had to think of an excuse for Bells.

He was about to find himself a beer when he heard a strange noise, like someone coughing. He moved into the dark passage, following the sounds. He looked in on young Michael who was fast asleep and opened the door of his and Bella's bedroom. The