Read Online Beware This Boy by Maureen Jennings - Free Book Online Page B

have to tell your parents. They’ll have to help.”
    “What about Dad? Does he have to know?”
    Joe continued to munch on the toast. Beatrice had taken the other chair at the table and automatically picked up a piece of mending she’d left there. Repairing one of Joe’s shirts by the look of it.
    “If we put the fear of God into Ted he’ll go along with us, I’m sure,” said Joe. “Among the lot of us we should be able to support you.”
    Brian frowned. “I notice you didn’t include Vanessa. She is my wife, after all.”
    Beatrice lowered her head, concentrating on her sewing. Shedidn’t say anything, but Brian knew what she was thinking.
    Joe answered. “Like you said, son, her parents have never taken to you. Do you think the lassie could keep a secret from them? She’s young, is Vanessa.”
    “And a bit on the giddy side, if you don’t mind me saying so,” added Beatrice, unable to resist.
    Brian did mind. But he held his response in check. “I was hoping to see her soon,” he said, twisting his fingers around each other.
    “I wouldn’t recommend that right now,” said Joe. “Why don’t we wait a bit? You need to get yourself back on track, mentally and physically. Let’s take it a day at a time.”
    “Your granddad has thought of a good hiding place if – if you need it. Tell him, Joe.”
    “I was looking at the airing cupboard. I can put in a false back. There’ll be just enough room for you in there. We’ll pile the towels in front and nobody’ll be able to tell.”
    “But Granddad” – Brian struggled to keep his voice level – “you know I’ve never been too good with small spaces. Remember the doctor that time said I suffered from what-you-call-it – claustro something or other? How’ll I breathe in there?”
    “Air holes. I’ll drill some air holes for you.”
    Beatrice put the mending back in her sewing basket and got to her feet. “Look at the time. I must get to the shops while there’s still something left on the shelves. Your granddad is going to drop in at the hospital.”
    Brian caught her hand. “Gran, I had a bottle of pills in my pocket. They’re good for the nerves. Do you know where they are?”
    “No, I don’t. I put all your washable clothes in the copper – they had a terrible pong. I didn’t see any pills. Eileen must have put them somewhere.”
    “When will she be home?”
    “Four-ish. But she’s going to fetch your mum and dad and we’ll have a family talk tonight.”
    “How are you going to get them over here without them wondering what’s up? Dad’s sure to be suspicious.”
    “Eileen will tell them it’s a surprise birthday party for your gran,” said Joe.
    Brian slapped his hand on his forehead. “Oh Gran. How could I forget? Many happy returns of the day.”
    “Thank you, Brian. And don’t fret about not remembering. When you get to my age, you want everybody to forget, especially yourself. We won’t be more than an hour. Will you be all right?”
    “Course I will, Gran. Be careful how you go. Don’t bump into a bloody lamppost.”
    “Watch your language in front of your grandmother,” said Joe.
    Brian hadn’t even realized he’d uttered a rude word. Swearing was so commonplace among army lads.
    “Sorry, Gran.”
    “I’ve heard worse,” she said with a smile.
    “You should lock the door behind us,” said Joe. “You don’t want anybody wandering in. We’ve always kept an open hearth, as you know, and Mrs. Swann drops in regularly. She’s a good old soul but she’s always wanting us to contribute to some cause or other. The latest is the Peace Pledge Union. Better if she doesn’t see you.”
    “I’ll knock when I get back,” said Beatrice. She hesitated. “Perhaps we should have a signal. Three knocks means it’s one of us.”
    “Good.”
    “You should stay upstairs,” said Joe. “Keep the curtains drawn. We’ve got good neighbours, so they’re likely to come over to warn us if they see a light