Free The Runaway by Katie Flynn Page A

off on her fingers. ‘One, we must examine the costings for this work and see precisely how long it’s likely to take; two, we want to know how it will affect our rent. At the moment we pay our way comfortably, but in larger premises we would need to employ staff and increase our supplies. Three, I suppose we would have to offer hot meals as well and that would mean not just waitresses but also a professional cook and a commercial stove, both of which cost money. And four, there’s this flat you speak of; you may say we’ll love it, but I prefer to make my own decisions on such matters – as does Caitlin, of course,’she added guiltily, suddenly aware that she was sounding just as high-handed as James. ‘Well? Answers please, Mr Mortimer!’
    James heaved a deep, dramatic sigh. ‘I can’t tell you the exact cost, but you needn’t worry about that since I intend to pay for everything. As for your rent, it will stay the same for the first three months that the restaurant is open, because though I am sure your turnover and therefore your profit will increase dramatically you’re quite right, you will have added expenses. And of course you must approve the flat, so we’ll go there right away.’ He stood up, tucked the file under his arm and produced a bunch of keys. ‘Wait till you see your new abode!’

Chapter Three
    DANA WAS ALWAYS wary of James and his bright ideas, though she could not have said why, but on this occasion at least, it seemed that she need have no worries. Once Christmas was over – they had enjoyed fantastic business as the holiday approached – they were able to concentrate on the work being done to the tea room and the flat above. They had met Mr Porter and thought his assessment of the work which needed doing was probably correct. Despite her initial dislike of the scheme, Dana had examined the carefully drawn up plans of how the restaurant would look and thought them most attractive, and the new flat was just as nice as James had promised.
    The kitchen was delightful, with every modern convenience already in place, and the small living room had a wide window overlooking the street, with a padded window seat and gleaming brocade curtains. It also had a telephone, an almost unheard of luxury, though James told them he had had it installed because they might need to be in touch with the restaurant, and they would also find it useful to be able to put in an order by telephone to those of their suppliers who were connected. ‘It’s on a party line with the one which is being installedin the restaurant,’ he explained, ‘so when one of you is in the flat and the other at work you can have a chat.’ But the main attraction of the new flat was the bathroom and lavatory; not having to traipse down to the public baths on Margaret Street or to go outside to the privy on rainy nights was delightful.
    Today, Caitlin had gone round to Sample’s to discuss with the chief baker how much bread they would need once the new restaurant was up and running. Dana was at the flat, awaiting the delivery of a couple of single beds. They had been sleeping on truckle beds in Heyworth Street, but had decided they deserved a bit of comfort now they had a larger bedroom.
    When the doorbell rang she hurried for the stairs … then realised that the bell was still ringing and, smiling ruefully, retraced her steps. It was the telephone, of course; they would have to invest in a new doorbell, one with a different ring, or she and Caitlin would waste time galloping to the head of their outside staircase when they could have been comfortably ensconced in the warmth of the flat, listening to whoever had rung them.
    Re-entering the living room, Dana grabbed the receiver and put it to her ear, her mouth opening to tell Caitlin – it was bound to be Caitlin – that she was still awaiting the arrival of their new beds. Then she stopped short and sank down on the nearest chair, the telephone still pressed to her ear.