Journey’s End. Josephine Cox

first date, Bridget protested, ‘Away with you! Why would you want me, when you could have the pick of my girls?’

      He gazed at her for a moment, before answering softly, ‘We can’t help who we fall in love with, can we?’

      For the first time in her life, Bridget was lost for words. When she did speak, her voice was alive with anger. ‘Soft talk, is it? I expect you’ve found out that I’ve made it good and you want a slice of it. Well, aren’t you the cunning blighter, eh? In love with me, you say? Hmh! I know what you’re after, so I do.’ She wagged a finger at him. ‘I’m far too canny to fall for all that nonsense, so ye’d best be on yer way, before ye see a side to me you wouldn’t like! Go on, be off with you! I’ve no wish to renew our acquaintance. What’s more, I can’t be wasting the day talking to the likes o’ you. I’m a busy woman, so I am.’

      With that she turned on her heel and went smartly down the path, muttering to herself and cursing. ‘Bloody maniac! Coming up behind me like that. Does he think I were born yesterday? Sure, I’ve worked hard to get where I am today. I started with nothing and fought my way up. Now I’ve got a good life and a healthy bank-balance, I’m not about to share it with some crafty, grasping old bugger!’

      She stole a glance behind. Looking very sorry for himself, the man was standing right where she left him. ‘Be Jaysus! I’ve a good mind to go back and smack him one, so I have.’ She clenched her fist and thrust it into her pocket. ‘Just let him try it again, that’s all.’

      ‘Bridget!’ His voice followed her. ‘I didn’t mean to offend you. Come back … let’s talk.’

      ‘Sod off!’

      ‘Please, Bridget! I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn.’

      ‘Ye heathen! You’d best be gone, or ye will be sorry!’

      ‘Don’t go … BRIDGET!’

      Ignoring his plea, Bridget climbed into her beloved Hillman Minx. Losing no time in case he might follow her, she shut the door and turned on the engine.

      ‘Bloody cheek!’ Stamping her foot on the clutch, she slammed the car into gear. Lurching forward, it jerked into a spasm and for a moment she almost lost control. ‘Come on, come on!’ She kicked on the accelerator and it took off at a crazy pace, throwing her back in the seat.

      Oliver Rogers was right behind. When the car shot forward, with the wheels skidding and squealing, the hail of dust and muck thrown up from the hoggin-path covered him in a thick cloud. ‘You’re still a damned lunatic!’ he yelled. But Bridget was already out of earshot.

      He brushed himself down. ‘That’s my girl,’ he chuckled. ‘You might think I’m after your money, but nothing could be further from the truth.’

      Walking the few steps to the large, sleek Humber, he climbed in and watched as Bridget’s car skidded and danced all the way down the road. ‘You’re a bit older, with a few more wrinkles and greying hair,’ he nodded approvingly, ‘but you’re still the same lively little devil you always were.’

      Slipping into gear he manoeuvred the vehicle onto the road. ‘You’re a right handful,’ he laughed. ‘That’s what I like most about you. And that’s why I mean to have you before we’re both too old to enjoy what’s left.’