Chapter 21

1973

‘Something’s got to be done.’ Sara-Jade was stone-cold sober for once, and unusually serious. Dolly, Daisy and Dixie nodded their blonde heads in agreement and there was a general murmuring of assent from the other women present. Sara-Jade and the mermaids had asked to meet Ruby in the café and had invited other female members of staff from Larkins to join them, including Imelda and Jeanie. When Ruby had asked why they couldn’t talk at the holiday park, Sara-Jade had replied, rather ominously, that ‘it wouldn’t be safe’. Once they were all seated, and Diamond had served them tea and biscuits, Sara-Jade, who was clearly their elected shop steward, explained why they were there.

‘Something’s got to be done about Mucky Marty. We’re all sick of his smutty mouth and wandering hands. It’s not right that we should be expected to work under these conditions.’

Ruby wasn’t surprised. She should have seen it coming. She spent most days dodging his unwelcome advances and flinching at his filthy comments. His behaviour around the guests was usually just the right side of appropriate, but with female members of staff it was open season. She felt her cheeks redden with shame at her own cowardice. She had known that this was happening and yet she had done nothing to stop it. Nothing to protect them. She hadn’t even had the self-respect to call him out when he made her feel cheap with his constant pawing and pathetic innuendo. She began to wonder now if she deserved it, had even encouraged it, by not saying ‘no’ or ‘stop’. She wished she had the guts to slap his face.

‘If we complain to him,’ began Dolly, ‘his answer is always the same,’ added Daisy.

‘Remember who pays your wages,’ they finished, in unison.

‘I’ve a good mind to tell him where to stick his wages,’ growled Dixie.

Diamond, who’d wandered over to eavesdrop on the pretext of bringing another plate of biscuits, was indignant on their behalf.

‘I said it before. That man’s a bloody disgrace! Do you want me to send Jack round to sort him out? I’m sure his offer still stands.’

Ruby shook her head. ‘It’s not that simple, Diamond. That’s why I haven’t mentioned it to Randall. His solution would be the same as Jack’s and it wouldn’t help. We stand to lose our jobs if we make a fuss and we all have bills to pay. Imelda, has he ever tried anything with you?’

‘No. But he’s terrified of dogs. He never comes near me.’

‘Lucky you,’ muttered Dixie, reaching under the table and scratching Grisha’s ears.

‘What about you, Jeanie?’