The Betrayed by Kate Kray

Rosie was hit by another thought. It flashed into her head with such dizzying speed that her heartbeat actually halted. The other secret … the one she had only ever confided in Stevie. Once her face was out there, someone would be sure to recognise her.
    ‘Until recently…’ she said, then paused. This could ruin everything . She took a deep, unsteady breath. ‘Until recently, I was working at a gentlemen’s club called the Keyhole, in Mayfair.’
    Immediately her cheeks started to burn, certain that the connotations must already be obvious. ‘My job primarily was behind the scenes, in the offices. But occasionally – well, twice to be precise – I worked in the club as a hostess… greeting clients, taking their coats, showing them to the private rooms.’ Though Andrew’s eyes were firmly fixed on his food, she could tell he was listening intently.
    ‘The kind of things…’ she stopped and started again. ‘The financial situation had become… Ruby needed…’
    She took a sip of water before trying again. ‘I’m not sure if you know what this means, Andrew?’ She paused, hoping she wouldn’t have to spell it out.
    ‘I think so.’ He nodded. ‘But it can depend on the kind of place we are talking about. What sort of club is the Keyhole, Rosie?’
    ‘Well… the Keyhole is a little more… how can I put this? Up market than some, I think. Like all the hostesses, I worked… you know… without much on. I can’t speak for what everyone gets up to in the private rooms. I only know what happened on those two nights.’
    ‘Mmm.’ Andrew nodded soberly. Rosie suddenly felt so ashamed, and wondered if mentioning it was a big mistake. After all, it might never have got out.
    ‘I didn’t do anything,’ she said, hastily. ‘Honestly, I didn’t. I had offers, but I refused. And if anyone ever says any different, they’d be lying.’
    Andrew’s eyes came up and met Rosie’s. It was obvious how ashamed she looked, as his expression immediately changed.
    ‘You know that I don’t judge you in any way for what you did. And that, if this gets out, you would have our entire team behind you… lawyers, everyone.’ He gave her a reassuring smile. ‘And now I am going to say something you probably won’t like very much, but here goes anyway – this is exactly the kind of thing that, given the right spin, the publicist will go to town with. You know, they can really turn negatives into positives.
    ‘If you are willing to talk about why you worked there – which, by the sounds of it, had a lot to do with providing for your daughter – then the public will support you. Mark my words. You’re… sexy, you’re glamorous, and it’s a mother’s sacrifice for her child.’
    He was looking straight into Rosie’s eyes as he spoke.
    ‘I’m sorry to be so blunt, but I’m sure that’s how it’s going to read. Men will love you because you look the way you do. Women will empathise, and understand the terrible dilemma that drove you to it – a husband in prison, wife fighting to make ends meet for her daughter… a daughter who has wants and needs, the same as any of their own children. Who wouldn’t sacrifice to provide for their child? With the right angle, Rosie, this could work in your favour. And, I’m ashamed to admit, the production’s too.’
    Rosie swallowed hard and lifted her glass. ‘Apart from my best friend, you are the only person I have ever told about this. And you’re right, I can see why it would make a good story, but …’
    There were so many thoughts rushing around her head that she hardly knew which to tackle first. ‘There are other actresses working at the club,’ she said finally. ‘I know they won’t be able to keep it to themselves. So, yes, it would be best if I beat them to it. I’m worried about Ruby, though. And my Aunt Madge, who’s more like a mother to me.’
    ‘Then obviously you must tell them before you give the green light to the publicist.’
    Rosie