Winners and Losers Read Online Free Page B

followed Daniel into the pub, but that could be a mistake. She needed to plan this carefully. Find out how the land lay before she approached him.
    Maura knew that the one night they had shared during an air raid in Liverpool had meant nothing to Daniel. She had been on the brink of suicide, so desperate that she had begged him to make love to her when they ended up sharing a bed, because she was too drunk to look after herself.
    But Daniel could have refused her! Maura hardened her heart. She was sick of working for poor wages and going without. She wanted her own hairdressing business, and Daniel Searles could buy it for her. He had plenty of money and if she got it right, he would be glad to pay her to keep his secret.
    She imagined he had married the girl he’d been engaged to when he spent that night with her. Maura wasn’t above blackmail if need be, but perhaps he would simply give her the money. She would take the bus to Stretton another day and ask some questions. Once she knew a bit more about his life, she would approach him.
    Smiling, Maura walked in the opposite direction. It looked as if things were turning her way. She hadn’t even been sure Daniel Searles had survived the war, but now she knew that he was alive and still living in the area she could make plans for the future.
    Alice spent the day washing, cooking and looking after her two youngest children. When Daniel came in she was so tired that her head had started to ache. These days she never seemed to have a minute for herself and she was conscious of the fact that she had vomit all over her blouse. She’d meant to change and smarten herself up before Daniel came home but little Sally was teething and she hadn’t stopped crying all afternoon.
    â€˜What’s for dinner, love?’ Daniel asked. ‘Something smells good.’
    â€˜I’ve got a steak and kidney pie in the oven,’ Alice said. ‘Sally has been crying all day. I haven’t had a minute to sit down!’
    â€˜You work too hard. You should have someone in to help you for a few hours a day, Alice. You look tired . . .’
    â€˜That’s right, rub it in,’ Alice snapped. ‘I know I look a mess but I haven’t had time to change – anyway, I don’t have anything worth wearing.’
    â€˜You should say if you want a new dress . . .’ Daniel frowned as he walked towards her. He reached out for her but the stink of the baby’s vomit made him change his mind and move back. ‘I know things are tight, but you have the egg money.’
    â€˜That goes on the children,’ Alice said. Tears started to her eyes but she dashed them away angrily. ‘I don’t have help because we can’t afford it, Daniel. You know we can’t.’
    â€˜We can afford a few bob,’ Daniel said. ‘I’ve almost finished doing up that roadster I bought cheap. When I sell it I’ll give you half the money. You can get your hair done and buy some new clothes – and I’ll find someone to come in for a few hours a week.’
    â€˜You don’t have to do all this just because Connor told you to take me on holiday.’ Alice looked at him angrily.
    â€˜You know that isn’t the reason,’ Daniel said and took her into his arms despite the acrid smell that hung about her. ‘I love you, Alice. I may not always remember to tell you, and I know things haven’t been easy since I came back, but I’m doing my best and I’ve nearly cleared my debts. Once I’m out of that, things will get better.’
    â€˜I’m not complaining,’ Alice said. ‘I know you do your best. I’m not bothered about the new clothes, but perhaps we should have someone in to help a couple of mornings a week. If I had help with the washing and ironing, it would make things easier.’
    â€˜It’s hard work for you with that old mangle and the copper,’ Daniel said.