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    Holder of Secrets Book 1: Unregarded
    Holder of Secrets Book 1: Unregarded
    Holder of Secrets Book 1: Unregarded
    Ebook268 pages3 hours

    Holder of Secrets Book 1: Unregarded

    By Margaret Gregory

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    About this ebook

    Recently released from a girl’s training centre, 17 YO Peg Jessup returns to her home town in rural Victoria.
    Not wanting to be sent back, and unwilling to be pushed around, Peg decides to straighten out her drunken whore of an aunt. In the process, she learns things about her aunt’s relationship to dangerous men, and oddities about her own origins.
    When the men, who have operated a criminal enterprise for over thirty years, realise that her aunt had kept secrets from them, Peg and her aunt become targets.
    This story is set in the 1970s.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMargaret Gregory
    Release dateFeb 16, 2021
    ISBN9781925332797
    Holder of Secrets Book 1: Unregarded
    Author

    Margaret Gregory

    I have loved writing stories since I was in high school. Now...some years later...I am enjoying making them come alive again.After being a scientist for years, I have since turned to writing fantasy for upcoming publication and creating science articles for The Australia Times.

    Read more from Margaret Gregory

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      Book preview

      Holder of Secrets Book 1 - Margaret Gregory

      Holder of Secrets

      Part One

      Unregarded

      by

      Margaret Gregory

      Copyright © 2021 by Margaret Gregory

      All rights reserved.

      Smashwords Edition

      This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

      ****

      Please note that I use Australian spelling throughout.

      You will see ou’s (colour) and ‘re’ (centre) as well as a few other differences from American spelling.

      No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

      Cover designed by msgdragon

      Cover images: © Adobe Stock / coka

      www.tatindiepublishing.com.au

      Table of Contents

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 12

      Chapter 13

      Chapter 14

      Chapter 15

      Chapter 16

      Chapter 17

      Chapter 18

      Chapter 19

      Holder of Secrets

      Part One – Unregarded

      Chapter 1

      It felt like I was free for the first time in my life. Today, I had walked around in the city - seeing sights that I had never even dreamed of. Shops with windows full of clothes, kitchen appliances and furniture – all so far removed from anything I had ever seen outside of a television show and those shows I knew were make believe.

      They had families with a father, mother, brothers and sisters – who laughed together and treated each other with respect. Where I had been for the past eighteen months, no one had a family like those.

      I wanted to forget Meredan Training Centre for girls and to forget why they put me there. I had done something stupid, but at the time it had seemed little enough to get enough money to leave home, leave Matlock and leave Aunt Ida who I had called ‘Ma’ most of my life. Well, I had done that, but not so I was free and now I had to go back there.

      While I looked at shops, I pictured myself in a place of my own, somewhere the name Jessup meant nothing. With a job that let me get things like the snobby kids had – nice clothes, bikes, fancy food.

      I was drawn back to the huge stone church, which I had seen when I came out of the station. I wasn’t one for churches, normally. I had always considered that they were places where people went for one hour a week, to look pious and to pretend to be Christians. The other one hundred and sixty seven hours a week, they were petty bigots. This one though, had begun to ring with deep pealing bells. I couldn’t get enough of the sound and I had found a place to stop – and just listen.

      When I returned my attention to the station, I realised that it was after half past six and it would be getting dark soon. Lots of people were leaving the city and I joined them – pretending that I had a home to go to, a meal waiting and people that I wanted to see.

      Trouble is, home for me was a two hour train ride away and I really didn’t want to leave the city and return to the rundown house in rural Victoria. Perhaps that is why I had dawdled around the city all day.

      Still, my first train ride had been exhilarating. Meredan’s chaplain had taken me to the station, helped me buy a ticket to the city and told me which station to go to for the train to Matlock. Trains went from that station every twenty minutes and I had seen so many trains in a yard just outside the city that I had thought that I’d just have to go in, buy a ticket, wait twenty minutes and be on my way. So I had followed people to the ticket window.

      Um, yes, I know I need to go to Spencer Street, but why is the next train to Matlock not until tomorrow?

      It is a country train, Miss. The guy behind the window was Italian and I think he thought me dumb. You will need to get your ticket for that train at Spencer Street.

      I had been called dumb for all of my life, but I didn’t believe it. There was a difference between dumb and uneducated.

      I get it. Can I have a ticket to Spencer Street please?

      I slipped the little rectangle of cardboard into my pocket, along with the change, and looked around to see where I had to go. Finally, a guy in a train employee uniform asked if I needed help.

      Unbelievable! Someone asking me if they could help me.

      Um, where do I go to get a train to Spencer Street?

      The man checked a watch, an old fashioned thing that he pulled from a pocket.

      Platform four, Miss. There is one leaving in a couple of minutes. You should just make it.

      Thank you, I whispered, seeing a sign for that platform and trotting off.

      A train was just about to leave and a mechanical sounding voice was saying ‘Keep clear’ as I raced to an open door and hopped in, closing it behind me as the train jerked and began to move. I saw an empty seat and was glad to rest my tired feet. Not wanting to have the feeling that people were staring at me and knowing I was an ex-con, I kept my face looking out the window. While we were in the darkened tunnel, with the platform moving away – I had reflections of the people behind me in the glass. The train emerged from there and I saw again the rows and rows of sleeping trains.

      The ‘oh, no!’ feeling struck then and I realised that I was headed back towards Meredan, not onwards to Spencer Street. My stomach was suddenly queasy. Then I saw movement of people towards the door and felt the train slowing. I joined the group of people getting off at this first station and followed them out. I didn’t see any way to get to another platform, so kept following the crowd – finding myself out of the station and onto a street.

      It was getting dark now and streetlights were flickering on. I walked at random and came to an intersection. So many cars sped past, that I almost sprinted back to the station. Other people had stopped, and seemed intent on crossing, and I moved closer to them. A short while later, all the cars stopped, like magic. I moved with the other people and noticed that red lights had stopped the traffic. It was amazing. Cars in the other directions had a green light and they were moving now.

      I was watching to see what happened next, but a cloud of exhaust fumes enveloped me, making me cough. Then a slight breeze blew the fumes away and wafted the evening smell of greenery, damp earth and for a moment I was transported back to Matlock and I wanted to be there – up with old Jack Casey, in his hut in the hills.

      It would be great to see him again, he was like a grandfather and the only person who didn’t think me horrible. Or hadn’t. He may have changed his mind after I had helped my brothers rob that truck.

      There had been gardens at Meredan and walls around them and the four big buildings. However, the gardens I saw now seemed to go on forever, and were wide open, with paths leading deeper into them. Perhaps I could sleep here tonight. It wouldn’t be too bad, I had often slept out back home…when Ma had kicked me out or I had run off.

      I hadn’t been able to run off from Meredan. Some of the girls had though, but they’d been dragged back and had a rough time afterwards. I should have been back home by now, but tonight, alone, free…I didn’t care.

      Chapter 2

      You develop reactions like a cat in Meredan. Someone was shaking me, but it was gentle, so I merely opened my eyes. The two faces looking down at me had police hats on.

      You can’t sleep here, Miss, one told me.

      Oh, no, you’re right. I just sat down to have a rest. It wasn’t exactly a lie. I pushed myself up to my feet and ignored my complaining and now stiff leg muscles.

      Where do you live?

      Not far.

      If I hoped they would leave me alone, I was wrong.

      We’ll run you home.

      Damn. No need. Like I said, it’s not far. I brushed cut grass off my jeans and wished they’d leave.

      What’s your address?

      It’s just across the street.

      I glanced at them just in time to see their expressions change from patient to suspicious. I stamped my foot a few times, My foot’s asleep, I told them, using that as an excuse to glance around to see if I could spot houses. Luckily I could and I began to limp that way. I’ll be alright, really. I have never had any trouble here. The last was truthful enough, since I had never been there before.

      They followed and I had the feeling that they were going to want to see me to my supposed front door.

      Are you usually out this late?

      Sometimes.

      What’s your name, Miss?

      I almost told them the truth. Peg Shaw. My friend Les, would not mind me using her surname. She’d think it a great joke.

      They kept with me as I limped to the first of the blocks of flats with an alcove leading into it and pretended to feel in my pocket for a key.

      Look, I appreciate you seeing me home, but if my Ma sees me with you, she’ll freak and I’ll be in for it.

      Lucky for me, someone came out and I sneaked in. The other girl saw the two police people and gave me an odd look too. I ignored her and went towards some stairs and began to climb. I heard the door shut and breathed easier. Still, I didn’t belong in the building, so I would wait a bit and then go back to the station and get a train to Spencer Street.

      The police had moved on when I left ten minutes later, but the train station was locked up when I got back there. I could see a sign – the next train was in the morning at 5.30. There was nothing for it. I would need to find a less open place to sleep.

      I walked along the street, looking for somewhere and passed some really tarted up girls just standing around either alone, or in small groups. I kept going and tried not to stare. Even Aunt Ida never used that much make-up.

      Several cars drove past slowly. I heard whistles and called out suggestions. Ahead of me, one of the cars stopped and a girl moved from her pose near a shop wall and approached the car. After talking for a time, she got in and the car went off.

      Another car slowed and kept pace with me. Waiting for me, sweetheart?

      I felt my face flush red. Now I knew what was going on and I wasn’t interested. I kept walking, directing my eyes towards the footpath. My face heated further as the speaker persisted, he didn’t seem to know any of the polite euphemisms that the chaplain at Meredan used.

      I knew exactly what they wanted to do to me, thanks to the girls at Meredan and Aunt Ida’s friend Harry King. At that moment, I would have welcomed the reappearance of the two policemen.

      Peg? Peg Jessup? Peg, wait up!

      I nearly broke into a run, but I realised that I knew the voice. The car beside me moved off, and I turned to see a face that I knew.

      Jack!

      Relief made me weak at the knees. I certainly didn’t object to Jack Dawes putting an arm around my waist to keep me moving.

      Peg, what are you doing here?

      Walking, was my weak answer.

      You didn’t go silly and run off did you?

      I stopped, pushed myself free and looked at him. He wasn’t angry.

      No, they let me out this morning.

      But you said you were not due out until the end of the month.

      Were you counting down? I asked in wonder.

      You bet!

      Why?

      I…I’ve never met anyone I liked as much as you, Jack muttered, ducking his head and looking away from me.

      Well, I am so glad that I met you tonight. And I was. Night in the city was beginning to become scary.

      So why are you here?

      Missed my train. Was going to sleep in the park, but two cops said I couldn’t.

      Jack instinctively glanced around.

      They patrol along here all the time. Did they ask where you lived?

      Yeah and they think they walked me home.

      We’d still better get away from here. Look, do you mind sharing my pad tonight?

      I shook my head.

      My car’s just around the corner.

      We hadn’t driven far when Jack swore. A police car had swerved and pulled in front of his car. I looked at him in confusion – we hadn’t done anything wrong.

      I’m just a friend, Jack whispered at me.

      What’s up? The police were moving in to flank the car.

      You’re seventeen. I’m twenty-four… was all he had time to say.

      Step out of the car, please, the voice of authority directed of Jack. He did as told and was then busy producing his licence and answering the question of where he was going.

      Nor did I escape the inquisition.

      Step out of the car, please Miss.

      Recognition was mutual. Miss Shaw. I would like to see some ID please.

      At least I would not be proved a liar yet, but…

      I don’t have any.

      And you don’t live at the Foxton Hill Apartments either, that one said conversationally.

      No.

      You will have to come with us to the police station.

      I saw Jack trying to wriggle out of the grip of the other policeman. He looked at me, but I can see he was blaming himself for getting us picked up. I couldn’t guess why.

      During the past eighteen months, I had become more out-going. Les Shaw had helped me there, but the biggest factor was that while I was a convicted criminal, the others weren’t much better and some actually looked up to me. Though that might have been because I wasn’t frightened shitless by Les. Thing was, none of the others treated me like the town outcast. I was one of them.

      Now though, with that firm grip on my arm and a gut turning to jelly, I reverted to my former near silent self. Police, like the civilian bigots of Matlock, would never believe me anyway. I didn’t say another word as I was firmly pressed into the police car, my head pressed down so I didn’t hit it on the door frame.

      I heard Jack whisper an apology.

      Not your fault, I whispered back, only to be warned from talking more by the terse, Enough of that!

      I turned to look out the window at the street lights flashing past. Jack had tried to hold my hand at first, but released it at a glare from one of the policemen. Now, his knee was lightly touching my leg and I could feel him getting tenser as we slowed near the police station. Belatedly, I remembered that his uncle and grandfather were policemen. He had told me that when we were both at a pre-release counselling session. He had been staying in a transition house then, somewhere out near Meredan.

      The police car went down a narrow laneway to the rear of the old brick building. The yard where it stopped was pretty bare, with high walls and good lighting. I wasn’t going to get a chance to run. Instead, as I was directed out of the car, I felt myself reverting to the ‘outcaste slump’ as Les had called my usual posture. I tried to make myself taller, so that I could pretend to be like normal people – the sort that the police would listen to. We walked along a narrow passage until we came to the bench and the desk sergeant.

      He asked, in a broad Scots accent, Who do we have here?

      Before I could answer, my captor said, Miss Peg Shaw.

      My friend muttered, Jack Dawes.

      They split us up, taking us to two separate rooms. I was told to sit, while my escort stayed between me and the door. I could finally get a better look at him now that he had removed his hat. He wasn’t that bad looking, more friendly than menacing. His blond hair curled and looked unruly. Didn’t make me want to talk to him though.

      A short time later, a police woman came in. She looked kind, but when she sat opposite me, she asked questions that I couldn’t answer, or at least not answer well enough.

      Why was I in Swan Street?

      I missed my train.

      Where did I live?

      I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to mention Aunt Ida and Matlock.

      Nowhere. Jack was going to let me stay with him tonight.

      Wrong answer. I knew it as soon as I saw the faint frown on her face. She asked more questions, but whatever I said would make things worse. I stayed mute then, wondering what Jack was saying. Finally, both of the police left the room.

      I wandered to the window, but they weren’t born yesterday – the window glass was reinforced with wire mesh and locked. Wasn’t a smart idea to go out into a horde of cops either. My mind began to wonder what they planned for me and I recalled the tales I’d heard from other girls at Meredan. They would be checking on me to see if I had a record for…soliciting. That was it. I had said I was Peg Shaw, so they shouldn’t find anything in that name. Then they would realise they had made a mistake, and let me go.

      The more cynical side of me retorted, Pigs might fly!

      They came back after I had time to convince myself they would let me go. I wasn’t going to say any more – talking too much gets you in more trouble.

      The police woman sighed and stood up. If you won’t co-operate, Peg, you will be kept here tonight and until we locate your parents.

      I don’t have any.

      Your guardian then, she tried.

      She kicked me out.

      Damn! Wrong answer again. I should have remembered. Half the girls at Meredan had

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