Free Battles Lost and Won by Beryl Matthews Page A

people who care deeply for you. They had a right to know you are safe.’
    ‘And you thought you had the right to tell them?’
    ‘Someone had to. You haven’t even sent a note to the Coopers to let them know you are safe. You’re father is sober and working, but he’s had a rough time, and has been worried about you. Don’t you care?’
    ‘I’m glad he’s managed to pull himself together, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s too late. Goodbye, Captain Russell. Take good care of your lovely family.’
    ‘Where the hell do you think you are going?’
    ‘I really don’t know.’ Bob turned and walked towards the house where Mrs Trent was standing at the door.
    The captain tried one last plea. ‘Lilly will miss you. She will be upset.’
    Bob’s long stride faltered for a moment, then lengthened again. He didn’t look back.
    ‘Dammit, Bob, you don’t have to do this!’ But his plea went unanswered as he followed him into the house.
    ‘All right,’ he called to the boy, taking the stairs three at a time. ‘I should have asked your permission before going to see your father, but you helped me and I wanted to do something for your family in return.’
    A door closed upstairs with a thud and Ben sighed. ‘That daughter of mine has big ears, Mrs Trent, and she remembers everything we say. What’s he going to do? Go back to digging ditches?’
    ‘What’s happened, Captain Russell?’
    He told her and she nodded her understanding. ‘That boy is in a mess. He clearly loved his mother very much, and watching her suffer has damaged him.’
    Ben’s expression was grim. ‘I don’t want him to go, but I can’t stop him.’
    ‘No, you can’t, Captain. He’s got to work this out for himself.’
    Bob came down the stairs with his bundle of clothes over his shoulder, and the captain stepped up to him. ‘I know you feel you can’t stay now, but if you ever want to come back there will always be a place here for you. And for God’s sake come to me if you are ever in any trouble or need a helping hand.’
    ‘And your room will be waiting for you,’ Mrs Trent told him.
    He kissed her lightly on the cheek, and then walked out of the door and up the road towards the station.

Ten
    There was a nip in the air and Bob shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked beside the Thames. For the last couple of weeks he had been moving restlessly from place to place doing a variety of jobs ranging from errand boy to farm labourer, and anything else he could get. On the whole he had done quite well, and always had enough for a proper bed at night. He had been determined that there would be no more sleeping in barns, but the summer was almost over and he didn’t fancy wandering around the country during the winter months. It was time to find something more permanent for a while.
    He stopped to watch some swans gliding along and a smile touched his lips. Richmond upon Thames seemed a nice place, so perhaps he could find something here. He badly needed time to sort out his confused thoughts. He had been happy with the Russells . . . No, not happy, he hadn’t been happy since his mum died, but he’d been content – yes that was it. Why had Captain Russell interfered and brought all the pain to the surface again? He’d worked hard, never causing any trouble, and that should have been enough for him.
    The light was fading and this stirred him into action. He must find somewhere to sleep tonight. At least this time he had carefully saved money in his pocket, but after seeing the large houses along the river he decided to walk up the hill and find something more modest. At the top the view was lovely and he told himself he must come here again when there was enough light to see clearly. There was a road to his left with a few small shops, so he headed for those. The butcher’s shop was preparing to close.
    ‘Could you tell me if there is anywhere around here I could find lodgings for the night?’ he asked the man.
    ‘You