False Charity by Veronica Heley Read Free Book Online Page A

out of Mum last night, what’s been going on.’
    â€˜She insisted on coming,’ said Coral, looking worried.
    â€˜Threw a wobbly,’ said June’s husband. He was a weaselly type, more flash than faithful if Bea knew anything about human nature, but he did seem concerned for his wife.
    June wobbled on her feet, but stayed upright. ‘Mrs Abbot, you’ve got to get that money back for us or we won’t be able to pay the mortgage, and it’s four months owing now. It was all your fault, anyway, not Jake’s.’
    That’s right, Bea remembered now that her husband’s name was Jake.
    â€˜He shouldn’t be blamed for it. He did everything that was proper, everything that he should have done and if anyone says otherwise, they’ll have me to answer to.’ Her colour was alarmingly high, and she had put on so much weight in pregnancy that she could have made two of her skinny husband, and been more than a match for Bea herself.
    â€˜Do calm down, dear,’ said Coral, not sounding too sure that June would listen.
    â€˜That’s more than enough,’ said Bea, trying for authority.
    At which June opened her mouth and screamed. In that small room, the effect was ear-splitting.
    â€˜What’s happening?’ shouted Jake.
    â€˜Give her room to breathe,’ said Coral, ditching the file and clutching at June’s wrist.
    June took a deep breath and then, eyes goggling, screamed again.
    Bea made another attempt to control the situation. ‘June, shut up and listen to me!’
    June screamed again.
    Maggie shot across the room. ‘Dial 999? Ambulance?’
    June continued to scream.
    â€˜Yes, do that, Maggie.’ Bea tried to attract Coral’s attention. ‘When’s she due?’
    â€˜Not for another month, but you know how they are about dates!’
    Jake was shaking June’s arm, and she wasn’t taking the slightest bit of notice. ‘Shut up, girl! Shut up!’ he was saying.
    â€˜Hysteria?’ Bea shouted at Coral over June’s continued screams.
    Coral shrugged. ‘It’s her first. She’s frightened. I don’t know!’
    Jake grabbed Bea’s arm. ‘Do something! Make her stop!’
    â€˜I would if I could, but—’
    â€˜Where’s that ambulance? We’ve got to get her to hospital.’
    Jake shouted in Bea’s ear. ‘Where’s your car?’
    She shouted back, ‘Missing!’
    Coral was vainly trying to get June to sit down again. June’s face was bright red, her hair had come down and was hanging around her face. She continued to scream.
    Coral dithered. ‘I could take her in the van, I suppose.’
    Maggie came off the phone and inserted herself into the group. ‘There’s a big pile-up on the High Street, and there may be a delay getting an ambulance through. Shall I call a taxi?’
    Coral fished out her keys. ‘I’ll take her.
June!
’ She shouted at her daughter. ‘
We’re going to the hospital, now!
’
    June gave a couple more screams, but didn’t object as her husband and mother propelled her towards the door. By the time she’d got to the steps and was being pushed up them by the combined efforts of her family, she was weeping and gulping, but no longer screaming.
    Maggie cancelled the call for an ambulance.
    Bea sank into the nearest chair and covered her eyes with her hands. June’s screams still seemed to echo through the room.
    â€˜Well, what a palaver.’ Maggie screeched out a laugh, making Bea shudder. It seemed the girl had enjoyed the ruckus. ‘So what can I do for you now, Mrs Abbot? Some more coffee? Take your clothes to the cleaners?’
    â€˜I’m all right for the moment, thanks.’ Bea made an effort. She picked up the file Coral had dropped on the floor, but didn’t attempt to open it. She felt shattered. She thought that June had probably brought on that