those living with such terrible wounds, and no seasoned professional used to dealing with the emotional needs of those traumatized by war. Some of the men still wore the tin masks that had been provided for them when first recovering from their wounds. But the fine glaze used on tin molded to fit a face ten years younger now provided little respite from the mirror's reflection.
Maisie questioned Jenkins's approach. True, it seemed a benevolent idea, and she knew how successful the 'holiday camps' had been in France, providing a resting place for wounded men struggling to return to peacetime life. But if The Retreat had been inspired initially by the success of an idea born of compassion, what fuel drove the engine now? The war was almost eleven years past. Then again, those who lived with its memory were still very much alive.
What about Jenkins? How and where had he served? Clearly the men at The Retreat were troubled as a result of their wounds and their memories. But Jenkins's soul was a troubled in a way that was different. Maisie suspected that his wounds lay deep within.
James would soon be going to The Retreat, so she had to act quickly. It was time to go back to London. Archie thought that The Retreat would do her 'brother' a world of good. She wondered how Billy Beale would feel about his newfound siblinghood, and if, in a month, he would feel as if time in the country had done him a power of good.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
'So what you think is that this Jenkins fella is getting up to no good down there at this Retreat 'e's set up?'
Billy Beale sat in the chair in front of Maisie Dobbs, his hands working around and around the fabric on the perimeter of his cap, which he had taken off when he came to answer Maisie's call. Maisie had lost no time in telling Billy Beale why he had been summoned, and how she needed him to help her.'
'Yes, I do, Billy. I would only need you to be there for a week, no, let's say two weeks. To let me know what is happening, what you see.'
'Well, you've come to the right person if you want someone what's willing. But I'm not sure I'm your man. Not as if I'm a toff, to mix with the likes of them.'
'Billy. You don't need to be a toff. You just need to have some money--'
'And that's even bloomin' funnier. Money--the likes of me!'
'It's taken care of, Billy. As soon as you are accepted as a guest at The Retreat, a sum will be moved from your bank account to Major Adam Jenkins's account.'
Billy Beale looked at Maisie and winked.'And I bet I know who's got me a bank account I never 'ad before in me life.'
'Yes. It was arranged today.'
Suddenly Billy was quiet. He looked again at his cloth cap, and sat with obvious discomfort in the too-small chair opposite Maisie's desk. It was the end of another humid day in London:The summer of 1929 was breaking records for lack of rain, and for heat.
'I'd do anything for you, Miss. I said that when you moved in 'ere to run yer business. I've seen you work all hours 'ere. And I've seen 'ow you 'elp people.'
Billy tapped the side of his nose in his usual conspiratorial fashion.
'What you do isn't what you'd call regular. I can see that. And if this 'elps someone, then I'm your man. Like I said before. You 'elped me Miss, when you weren't more than a girl. I remember.'
'It could be risky, Billy. I believe this Jenkins is a troubled man, and possibly a dangerous one.'
'No. Don't you worry about me. You've explained it all very well. I understand what's involved, Miss. And it won't take me long to set up a line for us, soon as I get the lay of the land. Now then. Let's look at that map again. Mind you--'
Billy rose to look down at the map that Maisie had spread out on the table.
'Just as well the missus is taking the nippers down to 'er sister's in 'astings. You reckon we leave tomorrow?'
'The sooner the better, Billy. Let's go over the plan again, and the story. We'll leave for Chelstone tomorrow. We'll be meeting with Maurice Blanche in the afternoon. He has been seeking some additional information for us from one of his contacts.'
'And who might that be, if I may ask?'
'The Chief Constable of Kent.'
'Bloody 'ell . . .'
'Quite, Billy. Now then, William Dobbs, we expect a letter from The Retreat to arrive at Chelstone by Friday, so we can drive over on Saturday. The other gentleman I told you about, who must not see me or know that I am involved in anything to do with The Retreat, will be taking up residence in just a few weeks. I hope to have this . . . this . . . investigation concluded by that time.'
'Right you are, Miss. I'd better be getting 'ome then. Got to pack me ol' kit bag again, for the good of me country.'
'Dr. Blanche has arranged for your clothes, Billy.'
'It wasn't clothes I was going to pack, Sis,' said Billy, with an impish smile,'You don't mind if I call you Sis, get used to it, like? I need to pack the other bits and pieces of kit that I'll be needing for this job.'
Maisie looked up at Billy Beale and smiled.
'This is good of you, Billy. You were the only person I could ask. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Your help will not go unrewarded.'
'It already 'as been rewarded. Been getting a bit bored around 'ere anyway. I need a change.'
