Bobby's Girl by Catrin Collier

than the next man. Nor do I understand what the war is about. ButI’ve also asked myself what I’d achieve by protesting. Other than earn myself a police record. And, frankly, one of those won’t do me or you any good, Pen, when you look for work after you’ve finished college.’
    â€˜I’ve seen films and photographs of you on civil rights marches with other film stars, writers and entertainers. Weren’t you afraid of being arrested or attacked for taking part?’ She took the plate of sandwiches he handed her.
    â€˜No, because questions would have been asked if a public figure had been beaten or spirited away by the police. And, when it comes to civil rights, I feel it’s worth trying to make a difference. You wouldn’t believe some of the things I’ve seen in South Africa and the Deep South of the States. Segregation on any grounds is stupid; on racial or religious grounds it’s criminal. Even more so if it’s “legalised segregation” by government order. But it remains to be seen whether peaceful protest will achieve anything now Martin Luther King has been murdered.’
    â€˜I’d like to make a difference.’ Realising she was hungry she bit into a cheese sandwich.
    â€˜So, we have another firebrand in the family.’
    â€˜Another? Like you?’ Penny looked at him quizzically.
    â€˜I’ve been too selfish and concerned with my career to make a serious difference in the world. But you’re not the first one in the family to get banged up.’
    â€˜I know Dad was a prisoner during the war.’
    â€˜Of the Germans, poor man,’ Haydn suppressed a smile.
    She knew there was tension between her father anduncle but she’d never plucked up the courage to ask her parents why.
    â€˜I wasn’t talking about him. That was noble imprisonment in a just cause. At least we all knew what we were fighting for in the last war, unlike the poor souls who’ve been shipped out to Vietnam. Hasn’t your mother told you about your Uncle Eddie who was killed at Dunkirk?’
    â€˜She said he was a successful boxer.’
    â€˜He was, but he also had a foul temper, which he once took out on your father. The police arrested him and he spent quite a few hours in a cell before your father convinced the police not to press charges.’
    â€˜Mam’s brother beat up Dad?’ Penny asked in amazement. ‘What on earth did Dad do to him?’
    To her annoyance her uncle refused to elaborate. ‘If you want to know more ask your mother – or …’ he grinned, ‘your father, but when you do, don’t mention my name.’ He glanced at his watch and lifted the covers from the plates. ‘I wish I didn’t have a plane to catch so I could stay longer with you. But time and planes wait for no man.’
    â€˜I can’t thank you enough for getting me out of that cell. I was terrified.’
    â€˜Anyone but a fool would have been, Penny Piece.’ He finished his sandwiches and whisky, brushed crumbs from his jacket and rose to his feet. ‘Got a good old Ponty hug for your uncle?’ He opened his arms and she embraced him.
    â€˜I’ll tell Mam what you did. Dad will want to pay you back for this room and the train tickets.’
    â€˜I wouldn’t hear of it.’ He took out a billfold and removed a couple of banknotes. ‘I know you’re not supposed to take more than fifty pounds in cash out of the country, but call this your mad money. If my wives and daughters are anything to go by, women can always find somewhere to hide money where it can’t be found by customs officers.’
    â€˜Two hundred dollars,’ Penny gasped. ‘I can’t take this from you. Mam and Dad would be furious.’
    â€˜Your Mam and Dad don’t have to know about it. And this,’ he peeled off another two notes, ‘is for Kate. You’re lucky to have a friend like