Amongst the bric-a-brac they managed to find a shoebox full of saucy seaside postcards, some W. H. Goss crested souvenir china and a child’s push-along donkey on wheels that Billie couldn’t bear to leave behind. When Henry questioned its seaside association credentials, Billie patted the donkey’s head and defended her choice by declaring, ‘Any seaside resort worth its salt has donkey rides!’ They were about to sit down ready to bid when Billie spotted a framed photograph propped against a chair. The glass was filthy but a familiar name was just visible through the grime – Larkins Holiday Park. It was a picture of a little girl posing happily with three very glamorous young women dressed as mermaids. Billie noted down the lot number. She was determined to buy it whatever the cost – not for the booth, but for Imelda.

The rapping of the auctioneer’s gavel on wood silenced the saleroom.

‘Right then ladies and gentlemen, let’s be having you!’

_______________________

They stacked Billie’s boxes of auction booty on the floor of Imelda’s booth and Henry placed both hands on the small of his back and groaned. Billie had, on impulse, decided to bid on a collection of Hornblower books on account of their maritime connection, and their acquisition had made the boxes rather heavy. Billie took Henry’s arm. ‘Come on, I’ll buy you a cup of tea and a slice of cake in The Tea Leaf as a reward for all your hard work. And then I’ve got something to show you.’ The photographs that her dad had sent to Imelda were in her bag.

As they reached the café the door opened, and MI5 Clive greeted them.

‘Good afternoon, Billie In The Bowler Hat.’

‘Good afternoon, Clive. How are you?’

‘Mustn’t grumble. I have my work and a very nice piece of half-price smoked haddock for my supper,’ Clive replied, holding his shopping bag aloft.

‘This is Henry.’ Billie pre-empted Clive’s inevitable enquiry.

‘Good afternoon, Henry I’ve Met You Before.’

Henry was clearly perplexed. ‘Good afternoon, Clive. I’m terribly sorry but I’m afraid I don’t remember.’

Clive stepped a little closer and lowered his voice. ‘You said hello to me once, but we were never properly introduced. You used to come here when Jack and Diamond were in charge.’

Henry shook his head in amazement. ‘I did, but only a couple of times. And that was years ago. How on earth did you remember me?’

Clive nodded proudly. ‘I never forget a face.’

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

1973