A Time of Peace by Beryl Matthews Read Free Book Online Page A

‘What do I owe you?’
    The dark eyes fixed on him and he could feel the strength of her character in that steady look.
    â€˜I don’t want your money, young man. I’ve already got more than I know what to do with. Give it to the boys. I think some sweets would be in order, don’t you?’
    He watched her stride away. He met many people in his job, some of them in high positions, but he’d never come across anyone he respected and admired as much as Rose Freeman. It had been a privilege to see her in action.

4
    When the last of the film was finished, Kate closed her eyes for a moment in relief. She’d received a few unfriendly glares on the first day, but when the models had seen how good she could make them look, they had accepted her. Two of them were even demanding that she take their photos all the time, but this wasn’t what she wanted to do. She’d been taking fashion pictures for only three weeks, and was already bored. It wouldn’t be so bad if she was interested in the latest fashions, but she wasn’t, and this was not what she’d joined the paper to do. There had been more variety in the photographs she’d taken at the local newspaper she had worked at. There were things going on out there in the world, and she wanted to be a part of them. Even if she wasn’t good enough to work abroad yet, there must be something useful she could do here.
    â€˜Come on, Pete, let’s go back to the newsroom.’ She handed him the undeveloped films to put in the bag and slung the camera over her shoulder.
    He collected the equipment, then hurried to catch her up. ‘Would you let me try to do a couple of prints today?’
    â€˜Would you like to?’ Kate watched his animated face and smiled. The Chief had given her Pete to get rid of him, but he was turning out to be an excellent assistant, and she liked him. He was eager to learn, and she could leave the developing with him now. It would be helpful
if he could do some of the printing as well. She had been surprised when he’d told her that he had just turned eighteen, for he looked younger than that.
    â€˜Yes, please, Miss Freeman.’ He nodded until a strand of greasy hair fell over his eyes. ‘I’d like to learn everything I can. You’re so patient and don’t mind explaining how to do the printing and developing. I’ve told my mum and dad what fun it is working with you.’ Pete gave an amused chuckle. ‘It’s good the models and designers can’t hear what you think of their latest fashions.’
    â€˜Aren’t they awful?’ Kate’s grin was wide. ‘My dad would be horrified if I started wearing skirts that short.’
    â€˜Oh, but you’d look better in them than the models do. They’re too skinny, but you’ve got lovely long legs …’ He turned bright red. ‘I didn’t mean to be rude, Miss Freeman.’
    â€˜Call me Kate.’ She laughed to put him at his ease. ‘And thanks for the compliment, but I’ll still keep my skirts just below my knees.’
    They were both laughing as they walked into the building. While Pete hurried off to get everything ready in the darkroom, she headed for the Chief’s office.
    He was alone, so she tapped on the door and waited for him to look up.
    â€˜Yes?’ He scowled up at her.
    â€˜I’ve finished the fashion shoot for today. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?’
    Before Andrew Stevenson could reply, Mike poked his head around the door. ‘There’s been a robbery at a jewellers in Bond Street, Chief. Shall I cover it?’
    â€˜Of course.’
    â€˜I’m going to need a photographer and Terry’s already
out, so can I take Kate with me?’ Mike gave her a sly wink.
    â€˜I wouldn’t have thought you’d want her anywhere near you again, but if you’re willing to risk it …’
    Mike towed her out