The Fight for Lizzie Flowers by Carol Rivers Page A

way she wanted with Polly. There wasn’t anywhere
they could run to. Frank or no Frank, this was her and Pol’s life and she cherished it. If only Danny could understand that.
    There was resignation in his face now. He shrugged and, turning, walked to the shop door. ‘I’ll see you around.’
    ‘What are you going to do now?’ She followed him.
    ‘Find myself some tools. Whoever cleaned me out won’t stop me from running my business.’
    The bell tinkled and Danny’s tall figure strode across the street. He climbed in the parked truck and drove away.
    Was losing Danny the price of Frank’s return? Lizzie wondered sadly. She hadn’t meant to defend Frank, but why would Frank steal from the garage? If what Bill said was true about
Frank’s change of heart, his making an enemy of Danny just didn’t add up. Frank needed all the friends he could get, including his brother.
    So what was she to believe?

Chapter Thirteen
    It was the last Sunday in March and Lizzie was sitting with Flo on the bench in Island Gardens. Polly was with her Uncle Syd and Lil, back at Langley Street, and she and Flo
had snatched an hour to themselves.
    ‘Well, you’re the first to know,’ Flo announced with a wry smile, as she settled herself on the hard wooden slats. ‘I’m in the family way.’
    ‘You’re expecting?’ Lizzie gasped.
    ‘The doctor examined me.’
    ‘Are you sure?’
    ‘Yes, course. I’m feeling sick as a dog, can’t face breakfast and I’m having to force down dinner.’
    ‘Flo. A baby! Come here and give me a hug.’ Lizzie pulled her sister into her arms.
    ‘Dunno what the neighbours will think.’ Flo grimaced. ‘It won’t take long to get round the street.’
    As they sat in the pale spring sunshine, Lizzie’s glance went to her sister’s full breasts. Her well-proportioned figure was hidden under her herringbone wool wrap-over coat. Flo had
always been well-endowed and she looked no different today. But her deep brown hair seemed thicker and glossier and her cheeks had the fresh blush of health. ‘I’m three months gone
already.’
    ‘What does Syd have to say?’
    ‘Oh, he’s talking names already.’ Flo rolled her eyes. ‘You’d think we’d won a fortune on the gee-gees. He don’t seem to be bothered I’ll have to
pack in work as soon as I start showing. Lucky enough I’m on the big side anyway and no one has said anything yet. My boss won’t like it, of course. I only just had the promotion at
Christmas. And there goes our posh honeymoon. All our pennies will have to be spent on the baby.’
    ‘Yes, but you’re having the family you always wanted.’
    ‘It wasn’t supposed to happen so quickly.’
    Lizzie smiled. ‘That’s what comes of having a lodger.’
    Flo blushed hotly. ‘Syd wanted us to get married last year. I should have taken him up on his offer.’
    ‘You can still be married in white if you do it soon.’
    ‘Yes, provided me dress covers the bump.’
    ‘You should be celebrating. I’m sure Syd can’t wait for the day when he can slip that ring on your finger.’
    ‘Nor can his mum.’
    Lizzie took in a breath. ‘Have you told her?’
    ‘I went to meet the family last Sunday. Syd said it was time I did. As you know I’ve been keeping my distance as the Millers have got a bit of a rep in the East End. But this baby
changes everything. They will be its only grandparents.’
    ‘What are they like?’
    ‘Syd’s mum, the Missus, has worked all her life as a char but three of his brothers are doing time. Syd’s old man lives for the gee-gees and his tipple. Walter and Clifford run
a scrapyard when they’re not on their holidays. How my Syd ever turned out the sound sod he is, I’ll never know. The family live in a three-up, two down over Mile End. Sons, wives,
girlfriends and the grandkids.’
    ‘A bit crowded then. Do they know you’re in the family way?’
    ‘Not likely. I found myself mute after listening to the accounts the women gave of each