Read Online Memories of You by Benita Brown - Free Book Online

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 couldn’t 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.
    â€˜What the—’ he began.
    â€˜Shut up!’ 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. ‘It’s me, Ginger. I was on your table at supper, remember?’ 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.
    Joe’s 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. ‘What do you want?’ he asked.
    â€˜Just a chat. Which one are you?’
    â€˜What are you talking about?’
    Ginger grinned. ‘I’ve 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€˜Why do you want to know?’
    A spasm of irritation drew Ginger’s brows together. ‘Because I like to know who I’m talking to, that’s why.’
    â€˜And why do you want to talk to me in the middle of the night?’
    â€˜I 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€˜Why should you want to help us?’
    â€˜God knows. And do you know what? I’ve gone right off the idea. I’m going back to bed before I catch me death. It’s bloody freezing in here.’ He turned to walk away.
    â€˜No – wait,’ Joe breathed. ‘I’m sorry. Stay and talk. Tell me things I ought to know.’
    Ginger came back. He was obviously of a forgiving nature. ‘Well, for a start, was it you who took that last bit of cake?’
    â€˜It was mine.’
    â€˜Makes no difference. Don’t ever cross Tod Walker. He likes to think he’s the boss round here.’
    â€˜You’re kidding, right?’
    â€˜Why should I be kidding?’
    â€˜Because he’s just a big dozy lump.’
    Ginger drew his breath in and shook his head. ‘Don’t be fooled by the look of him. He may look like Billy Bunter but he’s no fat owl. He’s 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. There’s a bunch of them will do anything he tells them.’
    Joe peered at Ginger and saw that he was in earnest. ‘OK,’ he said. ‘Now what else should I know?’
    â€˜Mr Jenkins. He looks harmless enough and most of the time he is. But after he’s had one of his secret tipples he’s mean-tempered and vicious.’
    â€˜Yeah, I think I’ve already worked that out.’
    â€˜Have you?’ Ginger looked puzzled.
    â€˜He 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.’
    Ginger nodded. ‘There you are then.’
    â€˜Anything else?’
    â€˜Nothing major. But if you keep on my right side I’ll see you’re OK.’
    â€˜Thanks, pal. Good of you to bother. Let’s shake on it.’
    Ginger looked at him quizzically then said, ‘Are you taking the mick?’
    â€˜Nah, why should I?’
    â€˜I dunno. There’s something