âWhat do I owe you?â
The dark eyes fixed on him and he could feel the strength of her character in that steady look.
âI donât want your money, young man. Iâve already got more than I know what to do with. Give it to the boys. I think some sweets would be in order, donât you?â
He watched her stride away. He met many people in his job, some of them in high positions, but heâd 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. Sheâd 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 wasnât what she wanted to do. Sheâd been taking fashion pictures for only three weeks, and was already bored. It wouldnât be so bad if she was interested in the latest fashions, but she wasnât, and this was not what sheâd joined the paper to do. There had been more variety in the photographs sheâd 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 wasnât good enough to work abroad yet, there must be something useful she could do here.
âCome on, Pete, letâs go back to the newsroom.â 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. âWould you let me try to do a couple of prints today?â
âWould you like to?â 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 heâd told her that he had just turned eighteen, for he looked younger than that.
âYes, please, Miss Freeman.â He nodded until a strand of greasy hair fell over his eyes. âIâd like to learn everything I can. Youâre so patient and donât mind explaining how to do the printing and developing. Iâve told my mum and dad what fun it is working with you.â Pete gave an amused chuckle. âItâs good the models and designers canât hear what you think of their latest fashions.â
âArenât they awful?â Kateâs grin was wide. âMy dad would be horrified if I started wearing skirts that short.â
âOh, but youâd look better in them than the models do. Theyâre too skinny, but youâve got lovely long legs â¦â He turned bright red. âI didnât mean to be rude, Miss Freeman.â
âCall me Kate.â She laughed to put him at his ease. âAnd thanks for the compliment, but Iâll still keep my skirts just below my knees.â
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 Chiefâs office.
He was alone, so she tapped on the door and waited for him to look up.
âYes?â He scowled up at her.
âIâve finished the fashion shoot for today. Is there anything else youâd like me to do?â
Before Andrew Stevenson could reply, Mike poked his head around the door. âThereâs been a robbery at a jewellers in Bond Street, Chief. Shall I cover it?â
âOf course.â
âIâm going to need a photographer and Terryâs already
out, so can I take Kate with me?â Mike gave her a sly wink.
âI wouldnât have thought youâd want her anywhere near you again, but if youâre willing to risk it â¦â
Mike towed her out