Free Desperate Measures by Kitty Neale Page B

seductive pout, but then burst out laughing. There was no way she could look seductive and had once heard herself described as wholesome; something she had to admit was true.
    With a sigh, Cheryl took a dress from her wardrobe. It was Friday evening and she was going to see Val, hoping to meet Betty, but in truth she was having serious doubts about Val’s plans. When Val had first mentioned it, Cheryl had thought it could work, but as time passed, with lots of time to think, her nervousness had increased. The plan was fraught with risks, ones Cheryl felt sure could lead them all into deep trouble.
    Cheryl slipped on a pair of white sandals and, after picking up her handbag, locked her door, still wondering if she should back out now before it was too late.
    When she arrived at Val’s flat, Cheryl was ushered inside, Val saying, ‘If Betty doesn’t come down, I’ll take you upstairs to meet her. She knows my story and on Saturday she heard Paula’s. I realise it was only six days ago, but we really do have to move things forward. If Betty can’t be recruited, I’ll have to find someone else. The trouble is that could take ages, so let’s see how she reacts to what happened to you. Oh, and if you get the chance, it might intrigue her if you can somehow mention that I’m going to help you.’
    ‘Yes, all right, but after hearing about Paula, my story will sound a bit tame.’
    ‘Maybe, but nevertheless, you were swindled. If it hadn’t been for that dealer, you wouldn’t be stuck in nurses’ quarters.’
    Cheryl lowered her eyes, wondering how Val would react if she pulled out. Yes, she’d been cheated, but surely what Val wanted to do was a step too far? She’d been mad to agree, had been sucked in when she’d heard about what happened to Paula.
    Poor Paula, and thinking about her Cheryl knew she couldn’t back out now. She was tied to this group, not only for Paula’s sake, but her own too. If there was a chance of getting her money back she had to take it. Cheryl was snapped out of her thoughts when there was a sudden rap on the door.
    Val opened it to admit a plump, middle–aged woman. ‘Betty,’ she said, ‘I’m glad you’ve popped down. I’ve a friend here I’d like you to meet.’
    As the woman stepped inside, she said hesitantly, ‘Err…hello.’
    Val made the introductions. ‘Betty, this is Cheryl. Cheryl Cutter.’
    ‘Hello, Betty, it’s nice to meet you.’
    ‘Cheryl’s a nurse and has just finished a stint on nights,’ Val explained.
    ‘Oh dear, that can’t be much fun. Do you enjoy nursing?’ Betty asked as she took a seat.
    ‘Yes, well, except for the shifts.’
    ‘It doesn’t help that Cheryl has to live in nurses’ quarters, but after what happened to her, she has no choice.’
    ‘Why what happened?’
    Cheryl found herself annoyed that Val had jumped in with both feet. She knew that Val was anxious to get started on their plans, but surely this was rushing things? Obviously impatient, it was Val who answered Betty’s question.
    ‘I’m sure Cheryl will tell you what happened to her, but I’ll start by saying she was robbed.’
    ‘Robbed! How awful. Were you hurt?’
    Once again Val jumped in. ‘Not physically, but financially and emotionally. Tell her what happened, Cheryl.’
    Exhaling, Cheryl gathered her thoughts before starting at the beginning. ‘I’m twenty–nine now, but tragically my parents were killed in a bombing raid when I was just a year old.’
    ‘How awful for you.’
    Betty sounded so sympathetic, her eyes kind, and it encouraged Cheryl to go on. ‘To be honest, I was so young that I don’t remember it, or being taken to live with my grandmother. She was a widow, living in Richmond, and it must have been hard for her, but she took me on. I grew up seeing her as my mother, and loved her dearly. When I left school I was drawn to nursing, qualified, and decided to make it my career, perhaps specialising in midwifery.’
    ‘Oh, I’d have loved