The Pussycat and the Prince

By Kev Pickering and Jennifer Jay

The events of the last summer had changed the lives of both the Pussycat Gang, and the woman known as Madame X, forever, but life moves on. The ladies of the Pussycat Gang have become closer and stronger, but with Madame X and Dominique becoming more open, as well as guardians, they have found new purpose. Janice Carter has found a new purpose and a new style, and it has been noticed at home and work.

Life, however, has more surprises in store - as events of eighty years ago reach across the decades and touch their lives along with more modern concerns.

And in the end, all have to deal with the repercussions of what others have done...

This is the third collection of stories of the Pussycat Gang - pray you never meet them...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781326535759

Book preview

The Pussycat and the Prince

The Pussycat and the Prince

By Kev Pickering and Jennifer Jay

Copyright (C) 2015 Kev Pickering, Jennifer Jay

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-326-53575-9

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For Those Who Are New

Welcome to the third volume in the story of the Pussycat Gang.  If you have never before encountered Juliette, Diana, Sandy, Heather, Carina, Abby and Jo, as well as their circle of friends and contacts, then I hope you come with an open mind and a desire to learn of them.

It amazes me, as I know I have said before, how well these characters come together and speak to me.  After all, if I am being honest, the world they inhabit is very different from the world I grew up in, and yet it is as familiar to me now as the small town I lived in as a child.  What that means about me I’m not sure, but I do know this.

I could never have come up with these stories on my own, and they are as much the product of the imagination of my esteemed co-writer Jennifer as they are of my own.  Given we have never physically met – the small matter of eight time zones and a fairly largish body of water as well as the width of a continent separating us – somehow we have this osmosis going on which makes what we come up with greater than the sum of the parts.

So what do you need to know?  Well, right after this you will see a brief synopsis of the story you can find in The Walrus and The Pussycats, available where you found this e-book.  But essentially – you will meet here one of the most bloodthirsty female gangs in existence, and also one of the closest group of friends you will ever meet. 

As to what’s going to happen – all I will say is this before I hand over the pen to Jennifer briefly to say something.  Change is an essential in life, and it can come in the most unexpected of ways.

Kev Pickering

Can I start by saying I’m amazed we have reached a third book of the adventures and misadventures of the Pussycat’s. Like for my co-author theirs is a world that has acquired more reality in my mind with every story that we have written, and I can almost see for example their drawing rooms in my mind.

I’m asked by readers sometimes how can the so-called heroines of these tales be women of such obvious evil, and my answer is always to refer people to the traumas in their lives that led them to that first fatal robbery. The dynamic of the Pussycats is very much about loving and caring for each other, and their friends. Crime and murder are things they do to to sooth their souls, and their strict rules on not hurting friends allow them to at least live with themselves, and their terrible deeds.

As for we authors, we can get interest from exploring both sides of the Pussycat dilemma. We can agonize with them over the events that pop up in their ordinary lives, and often a storyline will be inspired by an event or events that happen either to me personally, or in the real world, whilst exorcising our own internal angst with the writing of deep dark events.

Anyway thank you again to my co-author for doing most of the hard work, and to his and mine families for understanding how the Pussycats can keep us anchored at our computers for so many hours a day. Most of all though that you dear readers for keeping reading our little tales, and watch this space as their might well be more books in the future.

Jennifer Jay

The Long Hot Summer

The school year had ended, and with that freedom from the walls of St Angela’s had come the chance to branch out.  Carina Huntingdown was looking forward both to attending Yale and the coming arrival of her child, Jo Smith was still reeling from her appointment as one of the Head Girls, and Abby de Ros was beginning to grow as a model.

At the same time, a number of robberies in the New York area were performed, and linked to a woman who was given the codename by the police of The Black Cat.  The identity of the Black Cat was unknown – except by Annie Kelly, the math teacher who had helped with the end of year charity kidnappings, who had discovered a taste for both high fashion and the means of funding it.

Meanwhile, in London, the woman known as Dominique was summoned by her employer, Madame X, and asked to retrieve some documents from a member of the Mazengwean delegation to the United Nations in Geneva.  Following the events in New York, she was also asked to take with her Charlotte Gordon, an IT specialist, to gain field experience.  While the mission was carried out successfully, Dominique’s initial misgivings about Charlotte were allayed when she revealed her background as the daughter of a mining engineer in Africa – and her knowledge of diamonds led to the discovery of several bags of uncut diamonds alongside the files.  Diamonds which should not have been there...

In New York, Susan and Clint had arrived in the city, to allow Susan to take up her new position as Manager of the New York office for Madame X.  Clint had secured a position at the UN as a driver, but on her first night in their new apartment, Susan was robbed by The Black Cat.  She was found the next morning by Dominique and Charlotte, who had arrived in New York with Madame to investigate the possible use for the diamonds they had discovered.

At the same time, Diana was horrified by the arrival of her mother in law, Valeria, Countess de Ros, and her sister in law Natasha.  As the rest of the ladies gathered in Manchester for the summer, she and Abigail had to deal with the fact Valeria was intending to use every trick in the book to ensure Abby would return to France on finishing her education, while Natasha was about to take up a position at the UN, and wanted nothing more than to get out from under her mother’s shadow.

The arrival of Diana’s father, Guy, Duc du Grechy, did not help the atmosphere, but a greater problem arose.  Yve, Guy’s former lover, had managed to obtain the negatives from the fashion shoot in Carnaby Street where Abby had kissed Carina – and was attempting to blackmail Guy and Valeria to not sell the pictures to the papers.

Her attempts, however, were doomed to failure as Diana offered to resolve the situation – said resolution meaning that Yve was taken to The Farm, the out of city base for the Pussycat Gang, and where she met the other side of Carina, the sadistic murderer know as The Beast, or to the world at large as Miss Lynx.  Before she died, Yve was forced to tell all – including the fact the negatives were with a friend of hers, Francois Legault of the French delegation at the UN.

To preserve their anonymity, Diana requested Dominique to retrieve the files on her behalf.  At the same time, Annie Kelly was horrified to discover a jewelled cat brooch she had stolen from Susan had been recovered – by Susan and Clint, Annie watching as she was coming to collect payment.  In need of a quick score, she selected an apartment she had been scouting – the apartment of one Angel Xantu, a member of the Mazengwean Consular staff on New York, and the partner of Francois Legault.

On a warm early August night, both Annie and Dominique broke into the apartment, from different directions.  As Annie was securing Angel Xantu and robbing her of her valuables, Dominique was downstairs, cracking a large floor safe to retrieve the files.  It was as she went to find a drink that she made the most horrific discovery of all.

Her name was Ama, and it was clear to Dominique that the fourteen year old girl had been abused and used as a servant – a fact Ama confirmed as she revealed she had worked there for three years.  Taking her hand, Dominique promised Ama she would take her from that place, but as she opened the floor safe she looked up to see Annie descending from the upper floor.

Taking charge of the situation, Dominique enlisted Annie’s help to retrieve not only the files she had come to collect, but several bags of diamonds – diamonds Ama said Legault had stored there.  Annie then accompanied Dominique as she left, taking Ama with her, and returned to the hotel headquarters that had been established by Madame X.

That night, Annie learned alongside Dominique that Ama was a child slave, and the diamonds retrieved were identified by Charlotte as from the same source as the diamonds in Geneva.  She also met Susan again, as well as Madame X, who offered Annie sanctuary and training in return for assisting them.  He also offered, when she heard who Ama was, the young girl a place of safety and freedom – an offer Ama accepted.

The next night, Annie went with Dominique, Susan and Charlotte to a reception at the Mazengwean Consulate, to try and find out as much information as possible about their involvement in both blood diamonds and possible child slavery.  While all four were in disguise, Annie was horrified to find herself next to Sandy Richmond – another of her robbery victims.  Charlotte, whose father had died opposing the use of child labour in the mines of Mazengwe, learned that Vice President Albert Kimba was the real power in the country, and Angel Xantu one of his closest advisers, while a New York gems dealer called Oliver Cohen was acting as a broker between Kimba and arms dealers – with the diamonds as payment.

The four then robbed Oliver Cohen’s house, dressed as Catwoman, and in the process uncovered evidence of the involvement of Cohen, Kimba, Legault, Xantu and others in a coordinated conspiracy to smuggle diamonds for payment for arms, and also child labour from Mazengwe – a fact confirmed when Annie found another young girl forced to work as a servant.

The press reports of the raids piqued the interests of the Pussycat Gang, and Sandy realised it was Dominique and others who had carried out the raid.  After Juliette and Madame had talked, they discovered through a search online some of the things happening in Mazengwe – while at the same time welcoming Jeannie Brewster and her mother Barbara to their holiday homes as the first stage of their permanent move to the United States with Barbara’s father John Bowden, the chauffer to Vanessa Richmond.

The next day saw two visitors – Susan and Annie.  Susan had come to explain what had happened, while Annie had come with two purposes – to provide Jeannie with the additional things she would need for starting at St Angela’s, and also at the suggestion of Susan to offer an apology to Sandy Richmond.  Exactly why Susan wanted Annie to apologise became frighteningly clear when she realised Sandy knew Susan professionally – and then the identity of the Pussycat Gang...

As she came to terms with what she was learning, the girls went to the beach – only for Carina to return with what she thought were stomach cramps from the chilli she had been eating.  She was wrong – they were contractions, as Juliette rushed her to hospital with Susan and Annie, and by the end of the day Judith Diana Abigail Joanne Huntingdown had arrived.

Susan and Annie, joined by Dominique, stayed in Boston where Carina had given birth, and visited the next morning – just after Juliette discovered that the doctor in charge of Carina and Judith was one Karen Boyd, who as Charity Royce had been a supermodel alongside Juliette.  What was more, Karen had been the closest friend of Stella Jameson – the late mother of Dominique, who was forced to admit her real name of Caroline when Karen recognised her.

Talking with Karen, and the events of the last few days, were beginning to have a profound effect on Dominique, whose concern for the well being and protection of Ama had been noticed by Madame X.  On their return to New York, the papers retrieved from the Cohen home named three more conspirators – Madame Xiang Chen of the Chinese delegation; Dominic Rice of the Australian delegation; and Sir Winston Twining, the head of the British delegation.  With the assistance of Heather, Jo and Annie, a covert surveillance operation was set up to listen in on all parties, both in their homes and also at the UN, where Dominique was placed as a cleaner.

At the same time, preparations for the new school year began, as well as Carina’s impending move with Judith to Yale, where she would share room with Judy Morse.

During the surveillance, it became clear all the parties were under the leadership of one person, codenamed The Walrus.  Who that person was was shrouded in mystery – so Madame authorised a raid on the home of Dominic Rice, to retrieve a fresh batch of diamonds and any other information.  During that raid, Rice was taken to The Farm, and Annie was asked to attend as an observer for Madame – a move which not only ignited latent sadistic trends in Annie, but also the mutual attraction between her and Carina.

The week Carina started at Yale saw certain other events – Janice Carter and Adam Ball, the FBI members of the Pussycat Task Force, were growing more attracted to each other; Natasha de Ros moved permanently to tale up her position at the UN, and also announced her engagement to Guillieme du Grechy, Diana’s brother; Dominique asked Ama if she would like to stay in New York, and asked Annie to do a preliminary education assessment;  Penelope, Madame’s number two, arrived in New York; and Thomas Morgan, aka Tommy the Fish, married Annie, the owner of the New Calabria bar.

The disappearance of Dominic Rice, and the subsequent arrest of a major arms dealer, led to Tommy been approached to take over that role.  He politely refused, surprising the person who approached him for a meeting – Angel Xantu – when he returned a pre-payment of a package of uncut diamonds intact.  At the same time, Janice asked Juliette to put together a party to visit a restaurant owned by Madame Chen, so that she could take the opportunity to plant some bugs.  Juliette in turn invited Madame to attend as Shirley Xavier – allowing her the opportunity to plant a bug of her own.

When someone tried to attack Tommy and Annie in their home, Tommy took exception, and after interrogating the thug who had captured Annie traced the links back to Oliver Cohen.  He confronted Cohen in a bar – at the same time as Janice and Adam were staking out Cohen after his name was mentioned by Chen, and Madame and the Pussycats were rushing to assist Tommy and prevent him doing anything stupid.

The result of this coming together gave the opportunity for Sandy and Annie to spirit Cohen away, while Jan and Adam wondered if there was another agency involved.  While they went to a dinner party at Diana’s to welcome Natasha, Dominique interrogated Cohen, and learned of an auction to take place that weekend.

The New Year started at St Angela’s, Jeannie arriving with her new friend Rebecca Morse, and meeting her new classmates.  These included Nicola Pepsi Broadhurst, a scholarship winner from The Village, Nikki Colman, the daughter of a realtor, and Anna Carlton, the first recipient of the Jamie Kirkham Memorial Scholarship.  Janice, at the same time, agreed to rent a Richmond Trust apartment in the city centre, with her mother and daughter.

In disguise, Madame attended the auction, which confirmed not only the trade in child slaves, but also the roles of the remaining conspirators as everything she saw and heard was recorded.  In order to maintain her cover, Madame bought one of the girls – a girl called Maisha, who remained defiant and swore to kill her for doing that.  She soon realised that by buying her, Madame had freed her, and Maisha swore a blood oath to support Madame in her endeavours to stop the trade.

The film of the auction was forwarded directly to Janice Carter, who was horrified by what she saw, and immediately shared the information with Adam and Tom Callaghan, their supervisor.  Both Janice and Adam suspected the CIA were involved, but Rupert Brooks, a CIA liaison, instead told them they thought there was an off the books conspiracy of parties who were looking to bring those responsible down.

The FBI technical experts also told Janice only one person could have got the video on her laptop and left no trace – a person or persons known as Van Gogh or the Hidden Hand, recognised as one of the most talented and most wanted hackers in the world.   What nobody knew was the Hidden Hand was one person – and that person was Heather Smith. 

Janice met with the Hand, who confirmed Brooks’ supposition of a coalition of the willing, and asked Janice to join them.  She agreed, arguing in her mind the need was greater than her loyalty to Adam and the FBI. 

Heather also managed to uncover where the funds from the auction had gone – into two strongrooms in New York banks, strongrooms Madame and Juliette jointly agreed needed to be emptied.  In order to do so, both The Pussycat Gang and Madame’s organization, including Annie, joined forces – and a weekend at The Farm with Diana and Jo revealed Charlotte’s hidden depths, as well as triggering something in Penny.  The something was revealed when, in a liquor store raid, hesitation on Penny’s part led to her shooting and killing the store clerk.

They needed one more person however – and so Janice Carter was pulled further in, forcing her to work alongside the very people she had sworn to bring to justice as they robbed both banks and drained the conspiracy of their ready cash to the tune of over twenty million dollars.  Taking part in the raid released a side of Janice she did not know existed – and another secret of Janice was revealed.

When she was 13, she was gang raped, and as a result she gave birth to a daughter, who she named Kimberly, but who was adopted almost immediately by another couple – a couple by the name of Broadhurst...

Back at St Angela’s, Jeannie and Abby were asked to act as patrons for the Jamie Kirkham Memorial Trust.  Their first action was to organise a fashion show with the parents, girls and teachers walking alongside models.  Mary Thomas agreed to direct, and a call to models and agencies roped in not only APCO, the fashion chain run by former model Alice McKinnon, but also the assistance of Amanda, Marchioness of Ordford, aka Mandy Carrow, whose son David was dating Judy Morse at Yale.

The fashion show also had an unexpected guest, as Karen Boyd agreed to take part, and persuaded Dominique to appear in public for the first time in years as Caroline Jameson as part of a tribute to past models during the show.  As a result, Caroline was welcomed by the modelling world – and Heather had arranged things so that Dominique had been living legally as Caroline Jameson in the US for the last few years, as well as her no longer being under suspicion for the murder of the man she had killed as a teenager.

This enabled Dominique the freedom to do something she had been considering ever since she had freed Ama – an idea she formally put to Madame.

The bank raid had led Janice Carter to determine she and her daughter Katy would want for nothing again, given that alongside the funds which had been taken from the vaults and were in a protected account to use to support any girls that were freed from slavery a substantial amount of other funds were taken as cover, and she had received an equal share.   She had therefore transformed herself, and with Katy attended the christening of Judith, supporting Adam who had agreed to be her godfather. 

As part of her outfit, she had worn a pair of diamond and ruby earrings – a design she saw other women, including Juliette, Diana, Shirley Xavier, Caroline Jameson and others wearing.  In a moment of revelation, she realised they were all wearing them for the same reason – and who had been on the raid with her.

Janice was then brought fully in, as she decided to work alongside those she had previously sought to capture and try for their crimes, revelling in her new life with them.  Madame also was enjoying coming more out of her shell, as she appeared more and more often as Shirley Xavier, the CEO of Xavier International, the company Susan, Penny and Charlotte worked for publically, and who employed Caroline Jameson as a security consultant.

At the same time, Heather as the Hidden Hand sent the film of the auction to Jane Molloy of the New York Times, as a plan was carefully laid to expose the conspiracy publically, and then take out the leaders one by one.  Before they could move, however, Francois Legault announced his intention to return to France with Angel – only for him to die as he hosted a farewell dinner, with Diana and Natasha in attendance.

Juliette also had dinner with Karen, Mandy, Alice and Caroline, at which they agreed to do a shoot for Complete Style together.  Madame also arranged for two US Senators who had been identified from the auction film, Boyd and Morris, to be bugged with the help of Heather and Abby at both their homes and their offices in Washington.

Jo and Annie also agreed to place bugs in a cabin in Washington they shared – only to discover two more child slaves there.  Jo passed film of this to Heather, who sent it to Jane – providing the final evidence her bosses needed to allow her to go public.

The publication of the story, and the naming of both Morris and Boyd, had an immediate impact.  Twining ordered Cohen’s wife and daughter to be kidnapped to persuade Cohen to come to a meeting – and as Adam and Jan went to bring the Cohen family into protective custody, Dominique got there first, killing the men sent to collect Cohen’s family and taking Cohen instead to The Farm.

Charlotte called on an old friend, Piet van der Byl of the Johannesburg Mail and Guardian, who was investigating the trade in blood diamonds in Mazengwe independently, and passed on the information about Jane’s article to him.

NYPD Vice raided a number of brothels in New York, controlled by Madame Chen, and freed sixty African underage girls.

Finally Morris and Boyd were summoned to Angel Xantu’s apartment, only to be killed on the orders of Kimba.  This was watched by Madame and the others, as they also heard from The Walrus for the first time.  Kimba was also denounced by the President of Mazengwe, and his arrest ordered.

Janice was asked to come to the Farm to debrief Cohen, but as she went to prepare Tom ordered Adam to place a tracker on her car – a tracker Madame used instead to lead Adam and Tom to a private torture chamber, where Madame Chen was having some relaxation time...

From there, events moved quickly.  The identity of the Walrus, thanks to Lily at Madame’s UK base, was revealed as Viscount Gerald Stonemark.  Chen was arrested and then released – only to be taken prisoner by Dominique, Susan and Penny, and taken to the farm where Carina and Annie interrogated her, before Annie killed her in the name of all the slaves.

Cohen was taken into FBI custody by Jan, while the arms trader who had taken over after the disappearance of Rice was killed in a bomb blast.  Dominique also revealed she had decided to stay in New York, as Caroline Jameson, and formally adopt Ama as her daughter, as she asked Annie to join her as her roommate in an apartment.

Madame, as Shirley, attended a dinner organised by Claire and Tom where she met Stonemark face to face, alongside some of the Pussycats.  Before that, am attempt was made on the life of Jane Molloy, by an agent of Kimba – an event which leads to the conclusion the Walrus is clearing the decks.

The evening meal was a tense affair, as Gulillieme shared his dislike of Stonemark – a dislike shared by Father Alex Richmond, Sandy’s uncle, who overhears Stonemark order the murder of Sir Winston Twining and his wife.  A sleepless night and prayer leads him to inform Janice, who informed both Madame and the FBI – Janice and Adam saving Lady Twining and the two maids she has from execution, and the ladies stopping an ambush of Sir Winston.

Events move quickly from there, as Kimba descended into madness, killing Angel Xantu who remained loyal to the end, and leading to a siege at her apartment.  While the police and authorities surrounded the apartment block, Dominique lead a team, including Maisha, into the apartment, Maisha been the one who killed Kimba in the name of all the girls and women.

The death of Kimba left only Stonemark, the Walrus, and he was captured as he prepared to leave the country.  Taken to the farm, he met Janice, Shirley and Juliette, before dying at the hands of Dominique.

The cancer cleared, the clean up began.  As girls were freed from their slavery, they were taken to a convent which had been opened by the Archbishop of New York, the money liberated from the banks providing the funding for health and emotional care.  Maisha met with the freed girls, and revealed her role in the death of Kimba – bonding her and the girls together.

Madame, as Shirley Xavier, met with Nikki Colman’s mother Elaine and arranged to buy an apartment near Central Park – a clear sign of her determination to come out of the shadows after fifteen years.  She also agreed to act as guardian for Maisha, and that she would return to the UK with her for her education and training.

Charlotte, in her new position as IT director for Xavier International, worked with Heather on improving the communication and cyber security of the Xavier group.

Caroline and Annie signed a lease on an apartment in Greenwich Village, as Ama looked forward to starting at St Angela's in the New Year, and met Jeannie and the other girls at a party hosted by Shirley to thank her new friends.

As the summer came to a close, the position of the Pussycat Gang, and the ladies who worked for Madame X, had changed completely.  As Shirley Xavier, Madame was becoming one of the names of the New York social scene, and laid out plans for making Xavier International a more public face – including a new role for Lily Harmer, who had managed the UK office during their absence.

As Caroline Jameson, Dominique moved with Annie and Ama to the Village – and formally adopted Ama as her daughter.  She now worked from New York, mixing modelling with her security and enforcement work.

Adam and Janice agreed to see each other, as Janice suggested a raid of Trills Casino in Atlantic City for the Pussycat Gang.

Sandy agreed to do the remodelling of Shirley’s new apartment, with a promise to have the work done by the time she and Maisha returned for Christmas.  Heather and Jo visited Hobart-William Smith University, which Jo had identified as a possible college for her – and Jo met a young research assistant called Curt.  At the same time, Abby visited Carina at Yale, and they shared their feelings for each other.

As Missy Auerbach, the head agent at Norstar Agency, fought to sign Caroline to a contract, Caroline received from Fiona MacKenzie a collection of letters from her mother – letters with hints and instructions, and a request to contact her grandfather.

Janice became a director of Huntingdowns, Juliette’s Hong Kong based silks company, and on a trip to visit the site meets Cathy Lu – a visit that leads to the threat of their identities as Pussycats been uncovered, and a violent assassination at Newark airport to end the threat.

The raid at Trills was successful beyond their wildest dreams, as Ama gets to know the other girls, and Susan and Clint made an important announcement – she was pregnant.

And in London, Shirley surprises her old family friend, John Jacobs, and starts the reorganization of Xavier International.

But events of over eighty years ago are about to come back to haunt the ladies...

Jayes and the Ghost

The apartment was spotless, spick and span, so clean you could eat your breakfast off the table if Jayes had allowed it.  He would have it no other way – in his role as Gentleman’s Personal Gentleman to the Honourable Bartholomew J Rhymaes, Bart, he exercised perfection in all things, both domestic and professional.  In fact, as he looked around the modern apartment, Jayes was reminded of the old maxim Tidy room, tidy mind.

This particular spring day, Jayes was putting away some small items, while his employer was discoursing on a subject close to his heart…

Jayes, I tell you she is perfection incarnate. Barty reclined on the sofa, reading the newspapers in his dressing gown, as was his practice to do so.  It was important to know who was where and dating who – you never knew when such knowledge would come in handy.

I understand your opinion of the young lady, Jayes said as he turned round, but one must view the complete picture sir.

Meaning, Barty said as he looked over at Jayes, erect and alert in his dark suit and white shirt with black tie.

Well, one must always remember, sir, that she is American.  Not that Jayes was prejudiced against those who hailed from across the Atlantic – he merely recognised certain issues came with them.

American Schmerican as they might say in jolly old New York, I’m telling you Jayes that Miss Annabel Richmond is any man’s ideal of the perfect woman.

Can I take it from that sir, he said quietly, that she’s blonde, beautiful, and most importantly an heiress?

She and her young brother will between them inherit twenty-five million dollars Jayes, but that is irrelevant. Miss Richmond is just so beautiful that I think half the club would marry her today, fortune or not.

Jayes smiled as he said Well as you yourself say sir, she does indeed sound perfect.

I tell you Jayes I think I’m jolly well in love.

Jayes merely raised an eyebrow and said Again sir…

All those other times didn’t count Jayes, they were trifles, mere affection, this is different. I am willing to tell the whole world I’m in love with Miss Richmond.

Might I enquire as to the source of the young ladies fortune sir?

Property Jayes, lovely expensive Manhattan real estate. Seems her Grandfather brought up whatever he could when he moved there from Ireland, and her family has been buying more and more and getting richer and richer ever since.

That is indeed a most felicitatious story sir.  Perhaps there is indeed a possibility of a romantic engagement.

Isn’t it just Jayes…isn’t it just? Barty leaned backwards and sipped his mid morning cup of tea. 

As we are discussing financial matters, sir, I wished to ask if you had any plans for replenishing the coffers?

One or two ideas, Jayes, one or two.  I shall consult in due course, but for now lead me to the bath – I have an appointment at the club this afternoon.

Of course sir, may I suggest the light grey suit today?

As you wish Jayes, as you wish.

********

Not a million miles away from Mayfair, but in an altogether far less salubrious place tucked somewhere behind Regent Street and Oxford Street, a conversation of an altogether different kind was taking place in the jewellery store of one Saul Isaacs. The sign over his door might claim that Mr. Isaacs was a purveyor of fine diamonds to the gentry, what it did not reveal was the source of such diamonds resulting from what many might describe as the lower strata of London society.

Take for example the young woman currently to be found in the backroom of the establishment. She might be dressed something like a lady, in a long coat over a grey dress, but her awful attempt at the accent of the upper classes revealed to anyone with half an ear that her origins lie in altogether a different milieu, and that despite her perfectly bobbed black hair, this young woman was certainly not an English lady of quality.

They are worth two thousand Isaacs. I know it, you know it. The woman said grimly as she held on tightly to the diamond necklace.

They might be worth that to Lord Ordford, Isaacs said quietly, they might be worth that to his insurance company, but how am I going to sell these gems for anything like that.

So what will you offer me?

Three Hundred.

Are you joking? The woman stood up.

What were you thinking?

A thousand…

You bleedin’ well ‘ave to be joking yerself…Five Hundred.

Eight…

Seven Hundred and that’s my final offer.

Seven fifty…and maybe I need find a better fence?

Your breakin’ me ‘eart Ghost…alright it’s a deal.

The woman smiled as the jeweler counted out the bank notes. It’s a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Isaacs. She looked content as she exchanged the diamonds for the cash.

Keep bringing jewels like that, and you can come any time, Isaacs said as she walked out.

Five minutes later, Isaacs looked up from the counter to see a tall man walk in, wearing a dark suit with the collar turned up, and a scarf round his neck, pulled up to cover his face.

Well, well, you came again, Isaacs said as he opened the counter.  What do you have for me this time?

He placed a small valise on the table and opened it, Isaacs looking in and taking out some candlesticks.  Excellent – come away through.

********

The Antilles Club, off Pall Mall, was the place to be if you were a young gentleman about town, of reasonable income and plenty of time.  The entrance was a typical white marble and mahogany door affair, with a liveried doorman outside under the marble upheld cover, but anyone passing was more likely to hear the latest jazz sounds coming out, or the vue haloo of a hunting party.

As Barty walked in that morning, he ducked to avoid the flight of bread rolls, and walked into the bar.

Afternoon, Watkins – the usual please.

Very good, sir, the barman said as Barty looked round, and spotted a friendly face through a door.  Taking up the liquid refreshment, he walked over, neatly dodging the canes set to trip him.

Bongo old thing. Barty cheerfully greeted his old school chum as he sat down in the club smoking room.

Oh hello Barty. Lord David Fitzstuart said in a monotone, looking morose as he sat there reflecting on the chances and misfortunes of life.

You look like you’ve lost a five pound note and found a farthing Bongo.

I have Barty, haven’t you read the newspapers?

Just the racing pages old boy. I got a nice winner at jolly old Hirst Park

Oh that I was that lucky, Bongo said as he raised his hands up, my father’s threatening to cut me off without a penny.

What’s the old lion caught you doing this time?

Mater’s diamond necklace got jolly well pinched last night from Ordford House.

That was a trifle unfortunate, but why does the old gentleman blame you?

Well I got a trifle squiffy at Beetle McDonald’s party at the Tontom club last night…

I know old thing, I was there as well, but that doesn’t explain anything.

Well it seems that the thief was able to gain access through an open window…

Oh that’s bad luck, but again how does that get you threatened yet again with ruin?

Well it might just have been the window I climbed back in through, and that just maybe I forgot to close it.

Oh that’s damned unfortunate what?

Exactly…could have happened to any chap, but the lion has taken it in his head that it was all my fault.

Hard luck old thing, here let me buy you a W and S. Barty signaled to one of the waiters.

The damned thing is, I could have sworn I did close it Barty – I just don’t know what happened…

A short distance from the Mall, the crowd at the Star was quietly talking, enjoying the early evening.  The local bar, it was a sociable place, one a certain tall, imposing man knew well from his childhood.

So how go things with young Mr. Rhymaes Mr. Jayes? Jack the landlord of the Star asked as Jayes supped happily on a pint of Skinners Best in the snug.

As always tolerably well Jack. Jayes stood at the bar.  He is a most amenable employer, and the opportunities that arise in his daily life are always either amusing or profitable – and often both.

Did you read the Evening News Mr. Jayes, about that diamond necklace getting removed from Ordford House?

I did Jack, most unfortunate, I also heard something from the horse’s mouth so to speak. Mr. Rhymaes having spent the afternoon consoling Lord David Fitzstuart on his unfortunate role in the whole affair.

From what I read they all but invited The Ghost in, fancy leaving a window open like that?

Fancy that indeed Jack, it was as you said all but an invitation.

To Jayes, the open window was not a true method of entry – a true artist would affect an entry no matter what the circumstances.  But he did admire the skill and guile.  As he supped on his pint, he wondered if The Agency would have any suggestions as to who this thief – The Ghost – was.

He would like to buy him a drink.

********

Romulo’s was full of bright young things, being bright young things.  Champagne was flowing like the water down the Thames, though with slightly more sparkle and joie de vivre, and the in house band were playing the latest show tunes.  Barty and Bongo were sat at a table, looking at the dance floor, and especially a blonde haired girl, tall and thin, her hair cut in the latest bob fashion and wearing a tight black dress that came to her knees.

Look at her Bongo, the Goddess I adore dancing with that stinker Hughson.

Alasdair Hughson was the prospective Tory candidate for Knightsbridge, and held himself in a very high opinion – far higher than many of his contemporaries.  At the Antilles, he was the three times winner of the most likely to end up looking at you from the magistrate’s chair on Boat Night award – not that he ever called to collect it.  Tall, slicked back black hair, and an air of insufferable superiority.

Which goddess Barty, the rather unsteady Lord David mumbled as he tried to focus his eyes.

Miss Richmond old thing, the woman I am going to marry, Barty’s voice trailed off wistfully as she looked at him laughing with Hughson.

The Yankee heiress? Good luck there Barty, half the fortune hunters in London are chasing her like a jolly old fox that has bolted out from cover. Lord David thought hard for a second, not something that came easily to him even when not in his cups, and in this state likely to cause his head to ache. Maybe I need to pay court myself, would at least solve the jolly old cash flow crisis if the lion does cut me off.

Barty looked at his old friend with a shocked expression.  You are being so mercenary about the woman I love Bongo.

But you’ve never even talked to her Barty.

It doesn’t matter, I’m worshipping her from afar…

Or tonight from a bar…I say that’s rather clever. Lord David chuckled, from a bar instead of from afar.

Barty closed his eyes, immune to the charms of the other beautiful women in Romulo’s tonight, and… Oh I get it now, that is rather good, a bar…afar.

Annabel glanced over at the two men gazing in her direction and smiled.  They looked like good men to know, in one form or another…

********

And she spent half the night dancing with that blighter Hughson Jayes. Barty complained as he sat on the sofa, drinking his 11 o’clock cup of tea just after midday.

Jayes put the tea pot down and stood at attention, seeking to support his young employer.  A most unfortunate choice of dance partner sir.  His reputation amongst the other gentlemen’s personal gentlemen is not of the highest standing.

I know, hasn’t she heard why that swine was sent down from Oxford?  Barty thought back to the unfortunate incident involving the bursar’s wife, the washing line and the diamond and silver tiara, shivering when he remembered how close he had come to being involved in that.

I would consider it unlikely sir, Jayes said quietly, with the young lady being an American and only arrived in our country comparatively recently.

That probably explains it Jayes. Barty sighed. So any decent tips from the landlord of the Star for this afternoon.

I am led to believe that Emerald Star in the 3.15 at Kempton Park is what is sometimes vulgarly called a cert sir.

Hmmm 6 to 1 eh Jayes, might be worth a small investment what?

I have already taken the liberty of telephoning your turf accountant sir and placing a wager of twenty pounds.

Good show Jayes, what would I jolly do without you.

Heaven knows sir, Jayes said quietly.  I will lay out the heather tweed for you to wear today sir.

Very good Jayes – oh, and I promised old Bongo I would dine with him tonight and then go on to the Tontom Club.  You may have the evening off.

Very good sir – I have some small personal matters to attend to, but I shall be in situ in time for your return.

Very good Jayes – now for the bath, the suit and the cane.  A walk in the park beckons.

As Jayes left the flat, and stepped out of the building lobby, he breathed in the crisp evening air and smiled.  He had an appointment at The Agency, and was looking forward to a most productive evening.

As he passed the Star, however, he noticed the landlord being escorted from the building by two of London’s finest.  Jack was a fine, upstanding gentleman in all ways, but he did have a little side line in procurement, and it was obvious to Jayes that sideline had come to a sudden end.  Making a mental note to inform the correct groups, he made his way down the street, whistling the latest Novello tune to himself as he walked along.

He stopped outside a plain looking building and knocked on the door three times, removing his head and nodding to the doorman as he was admitted.

Good evening, Mister Jayes, he said as he took the coat, the committee are awaiting you in the main room.

********

Barty’s aunties might not approve of the syncopated rhythms, the wailing saxophones, and the mesmeric notes from the horns, but to Barty himself the music at the Tontom Club had the same effect on his soul as a chorus of angels might. It was so modern, so perfect after all the bad times, the oldies might not approve but Barty and his generation felt that they were allowed this chance to let their hair down, relax, and to try somehow to forget.  From the polished wooden dance floor, to the chrome and glass tables and chairs, and the Rennie McIntosh décor, it was the very definition of chic.

This way, sir.

She’s a rather attractive little thing, Barty smiled as a brunette hostess showed him to a table. He might be in love with the divine Miss Richmond, but even goddesses forgave admiration of their handmaidens.  This one wore a black dress with a white trim, and had a nice smile, and he thought her rather attractive in a provincial way

Did you stop in at Lords this afternoon Barty? Rhino Sopworth asked from the next table.

I did old boy.

How was the score?

Haven’t got the foggiest old thing.

You went to Lords and never watched the cricket?

Rhino old chap who in their right minds goes to Lords to watch cricket, one goes to stroll around and meet old friends.

I’d still like to know if Eton won.

Rhino old chap I sometimes wonder about you, fancy actually being keen on the result. Barty shook his head.

There you are, Bongo said as he sat down, I got lost on my way from the gents.

Sit down and watch, Barty said as Annabel came in, a vision of perfection in a white lace slip dress over a white silk v-necked garment, cut to show a flash of chest and a little knee.  Her feet were in perfectly made white heels, and her gloves were of kid leather.  She wore a shimmering grey chiffon wrap, as well as a diamond tiara in her hair and matching bracelets.

As she laughed, the pearls around her neck seemed to move and shimmer.  Truly, in Barty’s eyes, she was the one – and there was only one blot on the horizon.

That blot being Hughson, who sneered as he accompanied her to the table on the far side of the dance floor.

Pouring the champagne, he passed the bottle to Bongo, who said Cheers and drank it straight down.

Another bottle of shampoo. Barty signaled to the dark haired hostess.

Here you are sir, the woman brought it over in an ice bucket from the bar. She looked at the other man, and said Do I need to call a taxi for your friend sir.

No he’s fine.  As Barty said that, Bongo beamed and fell head first onto the table.

You know best sir, she looked doubtful as she walked away. And here at the Tontom Club the customer is always right.

What does she see in him Bongo? Barty lifted his friend’s head from where it was reposing on the top of a table.

Lord David grunted as his head dropped again.

What Ho Barty?

What Ho Slasher. Barty smiled as George Hendrick sat at his table.  The Honorable George Arnold Hendrick was the third son of Baron Ponsonby, third Baron of Holborn, and made his crust of bread designing book jackets.

Word is you made a nice coup today? Slasher looked slightly worse for wear himself.

Jayes information sources as perfect as ever.

Mr. Hendrick glanced round, you know a real chum would spread the jolly word if he got a hot tip from such an unimpeachable source.

Many apologies old boy… Barty thought hard trying to remember something one of his aunts had once told him. Aren’t you that stink…I mean aren’t you a cousin of Hughson over there?

It just happens I am, another bounder who doesn’t share his good fortune, damn blighter I’ve heard has an absolute fortune in emeralds stashed in his safe, all brought in illegally from South America, all nicely hidden away from the taxman. Slasher Hendrick grumbled.

Would you happen to know that adorable thing he’s dancing with?

You mean Miss Richmond, just happens I do…

I couldn’t wangle an introduction could I Slasher old chum.

To the heiress Barty, he said as he sat back.  Oh no - don’t tell me you are smitten as well?

Rather, Slasher…So what chance on that introduction?

What’s in it for me Barty?

Jayes next hot tip…

How about the next three?

Two.

It’s a deal Barty. Slasher stood up slightly unsteadily and motioned for Barty to follow him.

As they staggered across the floor, Barty adjusted his tie and tried to smile in a nice natural manner.

Hello Hendrick. Hughson scowled as his cousin approached.

Hughson, Slasher nodded. Miss Richmond may I have the pleasure of presenting Barty Rhymaes, Barty can I introduce Miss Richmond.

Charmed Miss Richmond. Barty bowed slightly.

The same. Miss Richmond smiled – a real warm smile that warmed him.

Barty fagged for me at Eton donchaknow. Slasher murmured as he slipped to the floor.

Oh dear I think Mr. Hendrick is what you Brits call a bit squishy. Miss Hendrick flashed her smile.

You must forgive him, he has a hard time recently.

He would not know a hard time if it walked up, said hi and kicked him up the arse.

Both Barty and Annabel looked at Hughson, before Barty said I understand you are visiting our fair land.

Oh yes – learning, having fun, visiting all the right places with Jane…

Jane?

Jane Huntingdown, my travelling companion.  Papa insisted I came with one, and we were roomies at Smith.  She’s not the outgoing type – prefers museums, and stays in reading while I get out and party!

Sounds delightful, Barty said with a smile, mentally filing this young lady under the category of ‘determined to improve Rhymaes’."

Oh she is, Annabel said with a smile.  Tell me, Barty, are you free tomorrow?

Rather – why do you ask?

I’m going out to Brooklands with Jane to visit Peggy.  Why don’t you come with us?

And may I ask, Barty said in a light carefree way, who is Peggy?

Oh just a little something I like to drive round.

Well, that sounds fun – and in return, perhaps you could come to my place for a spot of supper tomorrow night?

Annabel smiled, but before she could answer Hughson said But you promised to accompany me to the soiree tomorrow!

Oh we can do both – if you don’t mind hosting for Hughson as well, Barty.

Of course not – I’ll invite my friend Bongo.  We’ll make a jolly party, what?

Good – I’ll pick you up at two tomorrow at your apartment.  Where is it?

Lavender Gardens, Mayfair.  Ask for me at the door.

Until then, she said with a smile as Hughson stood up.  We need to go, Miss Richmond.

Oh no – I want to dance with this charming young man before we go, Annabel said with a laugh as she dragged Barty onto the dance floor, Hughson standing and fuming.

Would you care for another drink sir?

Hughson turned and glared at the hostess.  Listen, you little strumpet, he growled, if I wanted another drink, I would have ordered either you or one of your equally imbecilic co-workers over and asked for one.

Sir, she said quietly, there is no need for you to be so aggressive.

That was not aggressive, he said as he suddenly pushed her against the wall, his hands on her hips, this is aggressive.  Is that what you want you little…

HUGHSON!

Barty and Annabel turned and looked at David, who was standing in front of Hughson, his fists clenched.

You owe this young lady an apology, sir.

What are you going to do about it, Bongo?

Oh dear, Annabel said as she crossed the floor and took Hughson’s arm, apologise, Alasdair darling.

He looked at David, then the hostess, before grabbing his coat and walking out.

Please, accept my apologies at least, Annabel said as she collected her bag.  Until tomorrow, Barty.

********

She is adorable Jayes, simply adorable, a smile like the morning sun, a voice as melodious as bird song, a laugh that is like a chorus of angels. Barty looked rapturous as he had his mid-morning cup of tea at one in the afternoon.  He was already dressed, in a dark blue blazer, white shirt with cravat neatly tied (by Jayes) and cream trousers.

She does indeed seem a remarkable young woman sir. Jayes smiled.

So any tips for today Jayes?

I must unfortunately report that Jack the landlord at the Star, was otherwise engaged last night sir.  I very much fear we may need to seek appropriate information from other sources for the foreseeable future.

That’s a damn shame Jayes, a damn shame. I could have used a couple of your jolly old inside tips as payment for Slasher.

Indeed sir.

Now, Jayes, I am hosting a small dinner party tonight – myself, Miss Richmond, Lord David and Hughson.

Indeed Sir?  May I enquire what led you to this arrangement?  Although he showed deference, Jayes was worried about what might be about to happen.

To show Annabel why I am the best choice, of course, Barty said as he heard a horn outside, and looked out of the window.  They have been asked to be here at seven for cocktails, and we dine at eight.  Please prepare a suitable menu for four Jayes.

May I suggest a cold consommé, chicken in white wine and mushroom sauce with dauphonoise potatoes and greens, and a light soufflé for the food sir.

Sounds topping Jayes – go to it, Barty said as he left, Jayes shaking his head before he went to collect his coat.  The provision of additional supplies was essential.

********

Miss Richmond might be admired for her beauty, but the beauty she truly admired was her very own sky blue Bugatti Type 35B that she kept garaged and raced at Brooklands. The thrills she got from opening up the throttle round the Byfleet Banking was almost indescribable. The moisture in a certain part of her body hugging driving suit proof of the excitement racing created within her only added to the pleasure.

Barty and Hughson watched from the pit lane, either side of a tall blonde haired girl Annabel had introduced as Jane Huntingdown.  She wore a grey cardigan and skirt with a white blouse, sensible brown brogues and glasses, but there was something in her eye that caught Barty’s as well.

Annabel pulled to a stop at her pit, got out of the car, removed her helmet and shook her hair.

Well Boys what did you think? she asked Barty and Hughson.

Simply amazing Miss Richmond. Barty smiled as he looked at the car.  A real beauty.

Damn lot of nonsense if you ask me...

But Mr. Hughson....the excitement. she trilled the words.

I'd rather get excited watching my shares rise on the market.

I prefer F Scott Fitzgerald, Jane said without looking up.

Come on Hughson, where’s your spirit of adventure?

Safely invested.

Party pooper – Come on, I’ll drive you both back to the big bad city.

Annabel Richmond?

She turned to see a red haired woman standing behind her, wearing a leather jacket, cap and large goggles.

Oh my – Betsy?  Betsy Morse?  What brings you over here?

En Vacance, my dear.  Want to race a few laps?

Why not – you all right for a little while longer?

Of course, old fruit, Barty said as he waved her back to her car.  The fact she was so skilled only added to her attraction in his eyes.

The two women wore form fitting white mechanics overalls that didn't defeminise them at all, showing their attractive curves as they put their hair up under their helmets before going out again to test themselves against the circuit’s curves.

There is something fundamentally wrong with a woman who prefers a fast car to a man, Hughson grumbled as she drove off.

Oh I don’t know, Hughson – it tells me she enjoys risk and the fast things in life.

Or that she finds the car more reliable than a man, Jane whispered under her breath.

Barty heard the comment and smiled, but Hughson just seemed to redden in anger as she passed by.  You don’t think she’s one of them, do you Rhymaes?

One of what, Hughson old chap?

Women who hate men.

What, a latter day suffragette.

He turned and stared at Barty, before saying Are you really that imbecilic?

Hughson, old pip, did I say something to upset you?

Hughson just growled again and walked over to where Annabel had stopped with Betsy Morse, Barty looking at Jane before they walked over as well.  As they got closer, they heard Hodgson say I warn you, Miss Richmond, you vex me too much.

Oh good – it’s good for a man to be vexed, Annabel said with a smile, making Hughson even angrier. 

I think it is time I played the prix chevalier, Barty said as his put a hand on the other man’s shoulder, and said Hughson, old boy, walk with me a minute.

As he led the other man away, Jane whispered well?

Oh yes – we’re doing this.

********

Well it would never do in my family Mr. Jayes, Mrs. Bellows the daily said as she shook her head, A young lady like her coming alone to visit a young gentleman’s flat.

She’s an American Mrs. Bellows, I am led to believe they have different standards of propriety in that country. Jayes sat sipping his tea in the pantry.

Well it still aint right Mr. Jayes, it just aint right.

Indeed.  I shall, however, do my duty whatever my personal views on the matter.

So who else is coming Mr. Jayes?

I’m informed that Lord David and Mr. Hughson will also be in attendance.

Three gentleman and one lady, it just aint proper. Mrs. Bellows shook her head again.

Not at all.

So Mr. Jayes did you read that this burglar they call The Ghost robbed Lord Shearwater’s house?

I did indeed Mrs. Bellows, this rogue is most daring.

Fancy creeping into his lordship’s bedroom like that and taking ‘is snuff box collection.

Fancy that indeed Mrs. Bellows.

Jayes had considered raising the prospect of a visit to Lord Shearwater, but alas, the opportunity had passed.  The more he heard of this Ghost, the more he desired to meet him.

********

Good evening Miss Richmond, Mister Hughson Jayes said as he held the door open, allowing the two new arrivals to come in.  Jayes was dressed in what Barty unkindly referred to as full battle dress – the impeccable shirt, black dress jacket and trousers, waistcoat, bow tie and white gloves.

Well now, and who are you, Annabel said as she looked at him.

My name is Jayes, Miss Richmond, and I serve as Mister Rhymaes’ personal gentleman.  May I take your coat?

Annabel was wearing a long white fur coat with a large collar, which she allowed Jayes to remove, revealing an ivory flapper style dress with ornate patterning, and a beaded layered overskirt.  She also wore ivory opera gloves, and a large set of real pearls around her neck.

Taking Mister Hughson’s