Watchit!

By Percy W. Chattey

In an age of mobile phones and electronic gadgetry, the two car family, modern kitchens with televisions and labour saving devices it is difficult to remember an age when a watch was a luxury. And yet a short fifty years ago in the mid fifties, there was purchase tax set at a very high level on luxury goods, and watches were in that group - which of course helped profit margins on the black market. When there is a shortage, the simple law of supply and demand comes into force, and items that are short become expensive; which of course leaves the door open for the unscrupulous to earn an easy fast ‘few bob’. The well organized crime syndicates - people who take advantage of situations to make a lot of money, and of course there are their ladies who help them, go to any lengths to protect their interest and to stay ahead of the law. This novel starts with an operation of such an organization. It will take you via its chapters into the world of people with different attitudes to life, who live by their own laws.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Percy W. Chattey
• Release date: Dec 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9780995691780

Percy W. Chattey

I was born in the East End of London in 1935 when there was some sanity in the world. On retirement in 2000 my wife and I moved to Spain where we live in the Costa Blanca inland in the mountains. We have two daughters both of whom live in England and we have numerous grand children and great grand children.My first novel was published in 1983 and I started writing again in 2012. Since then I have written eight full length novels four of which have won the Pinnacle Awards in America. I am currently writing another novel which will form a trilogy of the Cormack family the original of which won Best Historical novel.

Book preview

Chapter One

Rainham Essex

For a long time it had been taken for granted that Jackie Morris would marry her childhood sweetheart. They had known each other since they were in junior school. Now as their wedding day approached, although happy, she could not help the nagging doubt in the back of her mind.

John Hardwick’s family had moved into the neighbourhood nine years previously. He was about the same age as her and both were the only children in an area of prominently older people. Naturally, outside school hours they became great friends. As the days and months passed, their friendship grew stronger. They went everywhere and did everything together and their marriage seemed inevitable.

Howard Morris a kindly man was immensely proud of his daughter. Wherever he went on his time off from his office, she would go too. He was a cricket lover and was often seen playing for the local team. As her father was the idol of her life, Jackie would always go along to watch and naturally, John would follow.

As summer drifted into winter, the clubhouse became the centre of social activities. Jackie loved going there especially with her father. It was also good to have John along for company when her father was playing in the nets on the odd fine day. Her personality being a lot stronger than his, she always managed to get her own way, and he would follow obediently.

Jackie’s mother accepted she was second to her daughter in her husband’s eyes. Howard found it difficult at first to acknowledge the new baby as he had longed for a son. While he had waited her arrival he had dreamed of teaching the child the greatest game on earth, cricket. He could hear the applause as his son hit six after six. After nine months of dreaming, he found it hard to accept that he had a baby girl. Elizabeth her mother feeling guilty, cried for days. Slowly as her husband accepted his daughter, her guilt turned to fear of another pregnancy. They stopped sleeping together and despite his pleadings made love infrequently. On the odd occasion that she did give in, she insisted on the greatest care, destroying any natural pleasure for him.

It was not long before he turned all his love and affection to his daughter. As she grew up, they became inseparable. It was then that her mother started to have doubts about her own attitude and forcing them together over the years. She was also jealous of her daughter, as she rarely got included in their plans. They would go miles to watch a cricket match, sometimes staying away for a weekend.

Jackie’s world was a happy one. She had everything she wanted. Her father would grant her every possible wish. John, like a puppy, did exactly as she told him to do. She would often tease him just to see if she could get her own way.

As she approached puberty and to take on the shape of a young woman, her mother bought her a bra and her father her first lipstick. She looked on boys in a different light and noticed the increased attention she was getting from them, especially when she went to the club, and she liked it.

John and Jackie graduated together to technical college. He worked hard to become a draughtsman and passed with flying colours. She, being more flippant, just passed her secretarial course. She did not really have to worry, her future as far as work was concerned, was already assured with a place at her father’s company. He was a director and major shareholder in an engineering firm. Anyway, the proposed trip to Australia that she and her father were making that winter was far more exciting.

The couple were now seventeen and the previous year John had proposed. This had disappointed her, as there had been no romance in the question, as he casually asked her while they were standing at a windy bus stop, but somehow she would not have expected anything different from her laid-back boyfriend. The date for the wedding was set for her eighteenth birthday the following March. He started saving hard- for in his mind it would be a great occasion, but Jackie was still too involved with her father to pay too much attention to John’s plans.

With Jackie’s encouragement from an early time, John had done well at cricket and was now a respected member of the club, so much so he had been offered a place in the first eleven, which pleased Jackie’s father immensely. She had not really understood his remark, ‘At least I will have a son-in-law in the first team.’ She had felt a little jealous at the time but soon dismissed it.

John, when he played, was normally in the fifth man position and became well known for his drives to the boundary and many a time getting the team out of trouble with his long straight hits. His build belied his ability. He was tall with a gangling frame and looked awkward as he walked. Many of an opposing team had been caught off guard, by leaving a slow bowler bowling to John, only to find the ball heading straight over the boundary for a six.

Jackie had never questioned her relationship with John as it had gone on for so long. It never occurred to her to go out with someone else, although she had plenty of offers from the younger members of the club. She thought, rather than felt, that she was in love with her fiancée. Because she loved her father deeply and was so wrapped up with her father’s life, she never stopped to think where she was going and what her future held.

Sometimes she would flirt with other boys, more teasing than flirting but never serious. She had kissed and fondled John, and he would return the kiss allowing his hands to roam over her body, but she was not prepared to allow him to go any further, and would push him away from her serious parts. Nothing more had happened. Sex was a taboo subject in her house. Her mother had never explained the facts of life to her, and even though she had heard other girls talking, she was in no hurry to find out. She had everything she wanted.

Chapter Two

To celebrate John’s eighteenth birthday, which occurred nearly seven months before hers, they went to the cinema to see the latest comedy film. They sat in the back row occasionally holding hands. The film was not holding Jackie’s attention as her mind was on her trip to Australia with her father. They had spent Saturday morning discussing the journey and she was wondering what it would be like. The audience started to laugh at a particularly funny part of the film, which by her daydreaming she had missed.

Are you alright Jackie? whispered John. He hardly ever called her a pet or loving name, she thought, which made her answer a little abruptly Of course.

He cuddled up closer to her, as close as the armrest between them would allow and held her hand in her lap. She tried to concentrate on the film.

She was aware that he had let go of her hand and he was exploring down her leg. He had often done it before and she quite liked it. He then started to lift the hem of her skirt. She smiled to herself, knowing that would be it, as he always stopped. The couple on the screen were talking and holding each other’s hands. She could feel his hand under her skirt and stroking her silk stockings whilst edging his way up her leg. Suddenly it annoyed her.

She jumped up and barked at him Will you stop doing that? A big woman, who was sitting in front of them and had been munching nuts ever since the film had started, said. Will you be quiet?

Jackie was still standing she looked at the woman saying You have been making enough noise yourself. Then turning her stair at her boyfriends she said angrily, Come on let’s go. She started to take sideward steps squeezing past the other theatregoers towards the end of the aisles.

Hold on! Let’s wait to see the end?

Will you be quiet? a chorus of voices mumbled around them.

You can stay if you wish, retorted Jackie and muttered her excuses to the people between her and the aisles. She could not understand why she was annoyed. She had not wanted to go to the pictures she had wanted to do something more exciting on his birthday. He had no idea of her feelings otherwise instead of trying to get her excited – which he had in the back row of the cinema, he should have taken her somewhere more private. Her thoughts were ‘he was more interested in the film than me.’ She reached the front and could hear his footsteps coming behind. She walked out into the street without looking back.

What did you do that for?

It is your birthday and we go to the bloody pictures – and I thought the film was rubbish.

He was taken aback it was the first time he had heard her use strong language. I happened to be enjoying it.

Well go back and see how it ends and tell me tomorrow. Better still - go and see it tomorrow.

He did not know what to say. She was in the type of mood he did not know how to deal with. They walked along in silence for a while. He was feeling embarrassed, she was annoyed and wondering if she even liked him, let alone love him. He took hold of her hand, pressing it lightly. She hardly returned the pressure.

The early September weather was warm. They both walked along with their own thoughts. John was thinking of the ‘friendly’ match against the local works team tomorrow, hoping it would be a nice day as it was the last game of the season. Jackie was deep in her own thoughts about the future with him, and thinking it would not work.

Trying to get closer to her to dispel the bitterness between them, he asked, Will you continue working with your father after we are married?

Why shouldn’t I? Her reply was sharp. She had every intention of working for him as long as she could.

I’m not certain if I want you to work. I think a wife should stay a home.

Don’t be so old fashioned. Anyway it is a long way off as yet. John recognised her mood and decided not to pursue the subject.

Come on John, let’s hurry. They had reached John’s parents’ house, which was in the same street and a short distance away from hers. She stopped and kissed him on the cheek. "Goodnight, I’ll see you in the morning. What time does the match start? Never mind, Dad will know. You call me when you are ready to leave,"

John was surprised. He normally went in for coffee, before saying ‘goodnight’. He stood watching her trim figure walk away from him. It never occurred to him that he did not love her. She was the only girl he had ever known; wondering why the evening had been such a disaster. She had not even turned and waved. He turned into the path leading to the front door and admired the Lambretta motor scooter he had just acquired.

**

The day of the friendly match dawned bright and sunny, ideal for the end of season competition. As the couple drove to the sports ground with her father, they discussed the semi-detached house they had seen sometime before with a view to buying it. It was in a bad state of repair, the present owner being elderly had neglected it. Her father told her not to worry about obtaining a mortgage, as he would buy it for Jackie as an eighteenth birthday present.

The first thing you can do is knock that old larder down to make the kitchen bigger, stated Jackie.

John added, "I think we should replace the French windows, the wood is rotten. The garden horrifies me as it is so overgrown – anything could be living in it. But we should be able to finish it all before we move in, in the spring."

By the time they had reached the ground, they had discussed every part of the house that needed doing. John agreed to do most of the structural repairs while she was away in Australia.

They entered the clubhouse. Many regular supporters were there and more players than usual. The fine weather always brought most members out. Some had come to practice in the nets, others to play. A knot of people gathered around them and they discussed the fixtures for the following season. They were all hoping the team would play better than the past one, where they had only finished half way up the league table.

From outside the club house could be heard the occasional thud of a ball as a player was hitting them in the practising area.

Jackie left the group and wandered across to one of the tables where she sat down. Her Dad and John were content to stand near the bar talking about cricket. Until the match started, she was bored. She picked up an old magazine and glanced through it.

Alex one of the players she had known since he had joined the club the previous season, came over to her, Hi Jackie – can I get you anything?

She knew he fancied her as he had on occasions asked for a date. She had always refused him. No, I have a drink and I don’t need anything else. But if you want to sit down and talk to me about anything except cricket – because I’m sick of it, then you will be welcome

Alex could not believe his luck and quickly pulled out a chair and sat down. I thought you loved the game?

Most of the time I do. It‘s when they stand around the bar talking about what may or may not happen next year - I think it is all a bit pointless – it‘s six months away for God’s sake. A lot could happen in that time.

Jackie felt comfortable in his company and wondered what it would be like to go out with him. His leg brushed against hers. She looked at him to see if it was accidental. When he did it again and she could feel him repeating the action, she knew it was not. She responded a little by putting pressure onto his. She found it thrilling, and wondered where it would have lead if they were not in the Cricket Pavilion. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see John coming over but she could not resist adding. I like you Alex - perhaps we could get together some time? Adding, John is coming over.

I had better go, and I hope you meant what you just said? She smiled but did not say anything.

John stood by the table she said, Are you going to sit down? He pulled up a chair, What did Alex want?

He wanted to talk about things other than cricket.

What sort of things? I thought you liked the game?

Yes I do, but not every minute and by the time we get to the end of the season it can be a bit boring - especially if all you can talk about is what may or may not happen next year. He shrugged his shoulders.

What would you say if I went out with Alex and he made me pregnant? She was looking down at the half-finished drink on the table. She was mad and tired of being in this man’s world, also frustrated in the sense she wanted to be treated as a woman and to talk about female things. Now she was in the mood to do some serious teasing and John was in line for it.

John spluttered, before saying, What do you mean? You haven’t been out with him – has he touched you? His fingers were drumming on the table.

She put her hand over his, Don’t do that – you know I don’t like it.

I asked you a question and I want an answer.

Well he has asked me out a few times and I suppose I do fancy him. I bet he would do a lot more than trying to put his hand up my dress in the back row of the cinema. Yes, I do fancy him and next time he asks I am going to say yes. She smiled at him.

He had gone red, This is not the place to discuss this. A whistle blew and he got up from the table, the game is about to start - I don’t want you going anywhere near him, I won’t stand for it. She was a little happier - at least he had shown some emotion. Perhaps he does care.

He took her hand and walked back into the stand to take their seats. She shivered slightly wishing she had worn a warmer dress as the sun was not strong enough to be still wearing summer clothes. Nevertheless, she still had not finished teasing, although she had never been with a man she decided to say, You wouldn’t know it - but I have missed my period this month.

Jackie please - not here! Somebody may hear you. She was being unmerciful. That sums up about how much you care. Oh Daddy’s coming over.

John- we will bat in the normal order. We’ve just tossed and we are in first. As he was speaking, he was strapping on his leg pads, he was always the first man in.

Nothing further was said between them until he had finished. He stood up and looked at John in surprise, What’s the matter, you don’t look well?

I’ll be alright...have a good innings. This is one match we should win. Last time I saw them play they were a shambles. John was getting some of his colour back.

We haven’t been exactly brilliant ourselves.

Daddy, don’t be such a pessimist. Of course we are going to win – I’ll walk out with you and sit on the veranda to watch. She took hold of his arm and they walked out together.

Have you been teasing John again? She looked up at him a smile on her lips Only a little bit. He returned her look with a mock frown on his face. What about?

Never you mind. Go out there and show them what our opening batsman is made of. She reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

He squeezed her hand and kissed her on the forehead, You be careful, he may turn round and bite you one day. He walked away from her onto the pitch.

A small crowd had gathered to watch the match. They clapped as her father and Colin the second man, walked out to the wicket. The visiting team were already going to their respective places on the field, with the bowler making small changes.

Jackie settled down at one of the sets of tables and chairs reserved for players and their friends. Next to the cricket field was a park where children were playing in the late morning sunshine. Her thoughts were on marriage and children; she could not make up her mind if she wanted to have a career or stay at home and raise a family. Beyond the park was a small housing estate with washing on lines flapping in the breeze. She had never had to worry about household chores as her mother had always been there. How would she be able to cope with a family and a house of her own? John sat down beside her with two cups of tea.

Penny for your thoughts? He draped himself across the chair rather than sitting in it. Somehow, he looked more ungainly in his cricket whites than ever.

They are worth more than that. She turned and thanked him for the tea. She took the cup and sipped at it. She watched the birds playing and singing in the trees. The players on the pitch were getting ready to start.

What you said earlier, is it true? She fiddled with the cup for a short time, and then shook her head, before adding I have been thinking of how long I will work after we are married.

You know my views on that, he snapped. Almost immediately regretting the tone he had used.

You did not have to speak to me like that. He tried to hold her hand, but she took it away, I’m sorry, but my mother has never had to work and.... Her eyes blazing Jackie interrupted, Has anybody asked her if she wanted to?

They sat in silence drinking their tea, both trying to think of a way to patch up the argument. They were both looking out at the pitch - her father was marking the wicket with his bat, whilst at the other end the bowler was pacing out his run also making a small mark with his heel in the grass.

Jackie took hold of John’s hand, trying to make up the argument, but the apology stuck in her throat. She changed the subject, Judging by the length of the run, it would appear they are starting with a fast bowler.She knew the words sounded false. It annoyed her again when he answered without referring to their previous conversation.

They say he delivers a short pitched fast ball. His statement slightly worried her as she knew the danger of that form of delivery.

Jackie tried to resume their previous conversation, she let go of his hand whilst taking a sip of her tea I think I want to continue work after we are married. There is no rush for a family- anyway the extra money will help.

As you wish. There was resignation in John’s voice.

Why can’t we, just for once, discuss something without you agreeing with me? You are so weak I could scream. Jackie was suddenly furious. If only John was like her father, decisive, yet ready to discuss a problem. She made up her mind to talk it over with Dad about her impending marriage. She was now not sure that she was doing the right thing.

Alex came over and sat at one of the other tables. Jackie, just to annoy John, gave him a little wave and was