to write.
Chapter Four
Joe had not found it easy to get to sleep. All his life he had shared a bed with Danny, and even though this had become more and more uncomfortable as they grew, given a bed of his own he felt as though he had lost a limb. But sheer exhaustion had claimed him and he had been sleeping deeply until a moment ago. Surely it couldnât be morning? He stirred reluctantly and opened his eyes only to close them again immediately. A bright light shone in his face, hurting his eyes, and all around the source of light there was darkness.
âWhat theââ he began.
âShut up!â someone whispered urgently and the light dipped, vanished for a moment then swivelled round to reveal a face barely a foot away from his own. âItâs me, Ginger. I was on your table at supper, remember?â The boy moved the torch down until it no longer glared in either of their faces and just gave enough light for them to see each other, a small pool of light in the shadowy vastness of the dormitory.
Joeâs heart was pounding from the sudden awakening. He stared nervously at the thin, freckled face topped by a mop of ginger curls. The boy grinned and Joe relaxed a little but remained wary. âWhat do you want?â he asked.
âJust a chat. Which one are you?â
âWhat are you talking about?â
Ginger grinned. âIâve told you, keep your voice down. You know what I mean. You must have been asked it a hundred times or more. Are you Joe or are you Danny?â
âWhy do you want to know?â
A spasm of irritation drew Gingerâs brows together. âBecause I like to know who Iâm talking to, thatâs why.â
âAnd why do you want to talk to me in the middle of the night?â
âI just want to fill you in about one or two things you should know if you want to keep out of trouble. I want to help you and your brother.â
âWhy should you want to help us?â
âGod knows. And do you know what? Iâve gone right off the idea. Iâm going back to bed before I catch me death. Itâs bloody freezing in here.â He turned to walk away.
âNo â wait,â Joe breathed. âIâm sorry. Stay and talk. Tell me things I ought to know.â
Ginger came back. He was obviously of a forgiving nature. âWell, for a start, was it you who took that last bit of cake?â
âIt was mine.â
âMakes no difference. Donât ever cross Tod Walker. He likes to think heâs the boss round here.â
âYouâre kidding, right?â
âWhy should I be kidding?â
âBecause heâs just a big dozy lump.â
Ginger drew his breath in and shook his head. âDonât be fooled by the look of him. He may look like Billy Bunter but heâs no fat owl. Heâs as strong as an ox and surprisingly quick on his feet. Like I said, keep out of his way and try not to annoy him or he could make it difficult for you. Thereâs a bunch of them will do anything he tells them.â
Joe peered at Ginger and saw that he was in earnest. âOK,â he said. âNow what else should I know?â
âMr Jenkins. He looks harmless enough and most of the time he is. But after heâs had one of his secret tipples heâs mean-tempered and vicious.â
âYeah, I think Iâve already worked that out.â
âHave you?â Ginger looked puzzled.
âHe was as nice as ninepence when he came to collect us but then he had a drink at the station bar and he turned sour.â
Ginger nodded. âThere you are then.â
âAnything else?â
âNothing major. But if you keep on my right side Iâll see youâre OK.â
âThanks, pal. Good of you to bother. Letâs shake on it.â
Ginger looked at him quizzically then said, âAre you taking the mick?â
âNah, why should I?â
âI dunno. Thereâs something
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