The Docklands Girls by June Tate Page B

hear that; I told you that you were too good to work on the streets.’
    ‘That’s right, you did and to be honest it was the night you came to my rescue that made me change my occupation. I was really scared and decided to quit whilst I was ahead, so to speak.’
    He grinned broadly. ‘I think this calls for a celebration.Would you allow me to buy you that cup of tea?’
    His invitation was so unexpected that for a moment Cora hesitated.
    ‘You’ll be perfectly safe with me, Miss Barnes,’ he said, trying to hide a smile.
    She burst out laughing. ‘Of that I’m in no doubt! Thank you, I’d be delighted.’
    They found a nearby cafe and sat down at a table near the window.
    ‘Would you like a sandwich or something?’ asked Joe.
    ‘Oh, no thanks, a cup of tea will be fine.’ She looked at her companion and, filled with curiosity, asked, ‘Do you work around here, Mr Keating?’
    ‘Yes, at the moment I work for the National Provincial Bank in an advisory capacity. The bank’s introducing a new system and I’m here to oversee it.’
    ‘You are?’
    He looked amused at her surprise. ‘What did you think I did for a living?’
    Cora chuckled and, with twinkling eyes, said, ‘Oh, I don’t know. Nothing as mundane as that.’ She gave the matter a moment’s thought. ‘I was convinced it was something far more exciting. To me, you are a man of mystery.’
    He started to laugh. ‘Really? No, I’m just an ordinary man trying to make a living.’
    ‘I don’t think you are ordinary at all. I would say there is far more to you than that: I’m convinced you are a man with a secret past … or present even.’
    ‘You have too lively an imagination, young lady.’
    At that moment, the waitress served the tea and further conversation on the matter was closed. Theyspoke about the war and D-Day, the number of troops who’d passed through the town, the fighting going on across the Channel and how they hoped it would all be over soon.
    ‘What will you do when that day comes?’ asked Joe.
    ‘After celebrating, I’m going to move up to London and start a new life,’ said Cora. ‘I’ve been saving every penny I’ve earned with that in mind.’
    ‘Will you be returning to your old occupation?’ he asked.
    ‘Certainly not! I want to put that all behind me. I’ll get a job in a shop somewhere, a nice little flat and begin to live! I’ll bury my past and start again.’
    ‘That sounds like a great idea, I wish you luck.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Much as I’d love to sit and chat, I’ve an appointment.’ He called the waitress over and paid the bill.
    They rose from their chairs and left the cafe.
    ‘Thanks for the tea, Mr Keating – it was kind of you.’
    He smiled softly. ‘The pleasure was all mine. You take care of yourself now.’
    Joe smiled to himself as he walked away. What a delightful girl Cora Barnes was. He hoped she would fulfil her wishes.
     
    Cora was telling Belle about her encounter with Joe Keating. ‘He took me for a cup of tea, Belle! He says he works for the National Provincial Bank.’
    Her friend looked sceptical. ‘No, there’s more to him than that. You’ve seen the way he dresses. Those suits cost a packet and are made to measure would be my guess. You be careful, Cora, love. Don’t get involved.’
    ‘That’s hardly likely, Belle. We only met by chance on both occasions.’
    ‘I know, but I’m a great believer in fate. I think people come into our lives for a reason.’
    ‘Oh, for heaven’s sake! You sound like an old gypsy telling fortunes.’
    ‘Maybe, but I’m seldom wrong. You just remember my words.’
     
    On the battlefields in France, Sergeant Miller was certainly glad that Jackson Butler was in his life. They were in a small town, advancing with their company. Sherman tanks led the assault, with the soldiers moving in behind. The fighting was fierce as the town was well defended, the troops dived for cover wherever they could before moving on – the