Battles Lost and Won (29 page)

Alf looked at his son, who was completely unfazed by Steve’s outburst. ‘I’ve never seen him behave like that before. He’s always been a calm and controlled man.’

‘Don’t let it worry you, Dad. The reality of his disability is dawning on him. He’s fighting with frustration, and is also terrified about the kind of future in front of him. This is going to be a very difficult time for him.’

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Alf ran a hand over his eyes. ‘Isn’t there something else we can do? What about finding him a doctor who specializes in back injuries? I’ve still got the house and could possibly scrape the money together.’

‘And you’re going to keep it,’ Bob told him firmly. ‘You’ve got needy tenants, and you can’t throw them out.’

‘No, of course I can’t. I’m just trying to think of a way to help Steve and his family.’

‘I agree something needs to be done.’ Bob placed an arm around Alf’s shoulder. ‘I’ll give it some thought. Come on, let’s join the others.’

A sea of worried faces met them when they walked into the scullery. ‘Dad’s really angry,’ Eddie told them. ‘When we asked him what was the matter, he told us to mind our own business, and then he went out into the yard.’

‘He wasn’t able to use the hoist, and it made him furious.’ Alf stood by the window and gazed at the man sitting forlornly outside.

Without comment, Bob walked outside and stood slightly in front of Steve, gazing up at the sky.

‘What do you want?’ Steve snapped.

‘Just admiring the view.’ He turned his head and smiled. ‘There’s a touch of pink in the sky so that means it’s going to be nice tomorrow.’

‘Where did you learn that nonsense?’

‘While I worked on the Russell estate. The farmers were very good at predicting the weather. It’s surprising how often it turns out to be true. Of course it’s clearer there without all the London smoke and grime.’

‘Well, why the hell don’t you go back there and leave me in peace?’

‘And what would you do if I did leave?’ Bob turned slowly to face the angry man. ‘You don’t need to answer that because I have no intention of giving up on you. If it makes you feel better you can curse and swear at me all you like, it won’t bother me, but you’ve just upset your family. They love you and don’t deserve to be spoken to so rudely.’

‘Oh God!’ Steve bowed his head, tears falling silently down his cheeks. ‘What am I going to do, Bob?’

‘I’ll think of something.’

It had turned out to be a lovely day without a cloud in the sky. Bob finished talking and left the phone box. He had spent a restless night trying to decide what to do to raise Steve’s spirits again. After his outburst he had apologized to his family for upsetting them, but he remained withdrawn, refusing to try the hoist again. Bob knew the signs: he had given up. The phone call he had just made was the only thing he could think of doing, and he wasn’t sure if it would help. Something had to be done though, because progress of any kind would be impossible in Steve’s present state of mind. He had hesitated about making that call, but he had been told to go to them if he needed help of any kind, and he really needed it now.

Striding back to the house he got Steve washed, dressed and in the wheelchair. ‘We’re going out for the day,’ he told Daisy.

‘Oh, in that case, as it’s a lovely day I think I’ll go and help Ruthie on the stall.’ She kissed her husband. ‘You have a nice time.’

He didn’t tell Steve where they were going, and it wasn’t until they were on the train that he even bothered to ask. ‘You’ll see when we get there. I told you it was going to be a lovely day, didn’t I?’

Steve didn’t bother to answer and the rest of the journey was spent in silence, and Bob knew it wouldn’t help to try and force conversation out of him. He also knew that Steve was sinking fast into a state of despair, and there would probably be trouble when they reached their destination.

Not a word was spoken until he pushed the wheelchair through the door, then it was as if Steve woke up from a deep sleep. ‘What the hell are we doing here?’

He didn’t answer but smiled at a woman coming towards them. ‘Hello, Sister, it’s so good of you to let me come. I seem to keep turning up, don’t I?’

‘Of course you do, Bob, you belong here, or haven’t you realized that yet? And we did tell you to come to us if you need help or advice.’ She turned her attention to Steve. ‘Doctor Vickers is waiting for you.’

He glanced up at Bob in horror. ‘You’re not leaving me here?’

‘No, but the doctor has agreed to have a look at you, and let me know the best way I can help you.’

‘Have you lost your mind?’ Steve demanded. ‘You know we can’t afford anything like this!’

Mary laid a hand on his arm. ‘There will be no charge for the examination, Mr Cooper. Our reasons for helping Bob are completely selfish. If we can get you back on your feet, then we can have Bob back with us again. We need him as well, you know.’

‘And I want to see him finish his training to become a qualified physiotherapist.’ A lean man came towards them, hand outstretched, and a smile of welcome on his face.

They greeted each other with obvious pleasure, and then the doctor shook hands with Steve. ‘Right, Mr Cooper, come with me and let’s have a look at you.’

Steve was by now lost for words and could only gaze from one person to the other. Bob noticed and thought wryly that at least bringing him here had shaken him out of his lethargy.

There was another man in the consulting room. ‘Ha! I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep away from us.’

‘Hello, Jack. Steve, meet the best darned physiotherapist in the business.’

Jack winked at Steve. ‘He’s still got a good line in flattery. Now, let’s see what we can do for you. Give us a hand, Bob.’

Before Steve knew what was happening he was stripped and face down on the table.

The examination took some time with quiet discussion going on between the three men. Steve breathed a sigh of relief when he was dressed and once again in the wheelchair.

The young doctor sat on the table, swinging his legs. ‘What fell on you, Mr Cooper?’

‘Cases of machinery. It was bad luck really because I was only walking past, but they had been badly stacked and they fell just at the wrong moment.’

He nodded. ‘Well, your body took a beating, but I can find no indication of anything broken, which is something to be grateful for.’

‘Meaning?’ Steve asked hesitantly.

‘Nerves and muscles take time to heal completely, but you are doing well, and in time you might get some use back in your legs.’

‘Might?’

‘I can’t say more than that. You have been badly injured, and only time will tell how complete your eventual recovery will be. But there is a small hopeful sign. You flinched a couple of times during the examination, so there is some feeling there. Bob is doing exactly the right thing for you, but if there is still no improvement in two months, then I’ll see you again.’

‘Doc!’ A head appeared in the doorway, and then disappeared just as quickly.

‘I must go.’ He jumped off the table. ‘Nice to meet you, Mr Cooper, and don’t give up hope. Bob, you come back soon.’ Then he was gone.

‘I must get back to work as well.’ Jack then placed his hands on Bob’s back. ‘Work this area more, and don’t be afraid to be strong about it. Like this.’

‘Ouch!’

‘That’s the place, now you’ll remember where it is.’ Jack grinned and slapped him on the shoulder. ‘Don’t you desert us, my lad. You’ve got sensitive hands and a real talent for the work. Forget about being a teacher. This is where you can do the most good, and as Sister is continually saying, this is where you belong.’

Turning to Steve, Jack shook hands. ‘I know it’s hard, Mr Cooper, but try to have patience, and do as Bob tells you. Make the most of his talent because he’s only on loan to you.’

Steve could only watch with his mouth open as Jack left the room. ‘They like you, don’t they?’

‘They’re a good crowd. Now we’ve finished here I’m going to show you my favourite place before we go home.’

There was no sign of Sister so Bob left a note of thanks on her desk.

A few clouds were appearing now, but they weren’t rain clouds, and it was still pleasantly warm. Bob’s first stop was the butcher for two of his famous pies, and after that he wheeled Steve to the Terraces. They sat there admiring the view and enjoying their pies.

‘How could you bear to leave here and come back to Canning Town?’ Steve asked quietly, sighing deeply as peace settled over him. ‘This is such a lovely spot.’

‘You have always been like family to me.’ Bob tore his gaze away from the view and looked directly at the man beside him. ‘That’s why I returned.’

‘Will you come back here when you’ve done all you can for me?’

‘Yes.’ Bob wasn’t surprised by how quickly the answer had come. No doubts. This was where he wanted to be.

‘Why did you bring me here?’

‘You were losing heart, and I needed to find out if I was doing you more harm than good. I was afraid I had been pushing you too hard. I trust the people here to tell me the truth about your chances of recovery.’

‘And what exactly did they tell you? Because I’m damned if I’m any the wiser.’

‘There is a chance you will walk again, but probably not without something to support you. However, as far as I’m concerned, that is not good enough! I won’t be happy until you can walk without any aid, so don’t you damned well give up!’ Bob looked at Steve, determination written on every line of his handsome face. ‘I’ll be wasting my time if you don’t cooperate. So, are you up to it?’

For the first time that day Steve smiled, his eyes misted with emotion. ‘I’m with you all the way. Here’s to victory!’

They clasped hands to seal their unity for the struggle ahead, and Bob sighed with relief. If Steve had given up there wouldn’t have been a chance, but if he could stay in a positive frame of mind they might just win. Steve didn’t know exactly what Doctor Vickers and Jack had told him, and he wouldn’t tell him in case it came to nothing, but there was more than a glimmer of hope.

The journey back to London was more cheerful. They didn’t speak much, both lost in their own thoughts, but they were relaxed, and it was good to know he had done the right thing in coming here.

Dave came after tea for Bob to work on his arm again. This would only be the third time, but it was already showing signs of improvement.

‘Have you asked Ruth out yet?’ Bob asked as he worked.

‘Not yet.’ Dave grimaced when a tender spot was located. ‘I’m waiting until I can use my arm more.’

‘Don’t wait too long or someone else might beat you to it.’

‘You, for instance? Ouch!’

‘I wouldn’t stand a chance. She’s never forgiven me for walking out after Mum died.’

‘Ah, yes, I read about that. Must have been tough for you.’

Bob stopped working. ‘You read about it? Don’t you mean someone told you about it?’

‘No, I read it in your dad’s book.’ Dave turned his head. ‘You finished?’

‘Stay where you are. What book?’

‘It’s in the Imperial War Museum. Are you telling me you don’t know?’

‘No, I damned well don’t!’ Bob worked in silence for a while longer, then stopped. ‘That will do for tonight. How does it feel?’

Sitting up he moved his fingers. ‘Wow, look at that, I can almost close my fist, and there’s more movement in the arm. Thanks, Bob.’

‘Glad I can help. Now, tell me about this book.’

Over a cup of tea Dave explained about Alf’s memoirs and how the museum had had them made into a book for anyone to read.

‘So that’s how he managed to buy that house.’ Bob was stunned. ‘But why hasn’t anyone told me about this before now?’

‘Alf’s not one to brag. You ought to have a look at the museum some time.’

‘I will.’ And he’d find that book as well. His dad was bound to have been given a copy, so it must be somewhere in the house.

‘Er . . . Bob, I’ve got a mate who was injured as well, and he’s having a tough time. I was wondering if you’d have a look at him? The doctors have given up on him, just like a lot of us.’

‘What are his injuries?’

‘Left leg and hip.’ Dave fidgeted awkwardly. ‘When he saw how my arm was improving he said he’d be grateful if you’d see him. I know I shouldn’t ask, but I told him what kind of job you’d been doing, and he begged me to ask you.’

‘Bring him round with you tomorrow evening, but I’m not promising anything.’

‘He knows that.’ Dave smiled in gratitude. ‘Thanks, Bob.’

The door burst open and Alf rushed in. ‘Bob! Come and see. Steve’s used the hoist and got on the bed without any help.’

‘He didn’t try it with no one there, did he?’ Bob was already on his feet.

‘No, I was beside him all the time.’

‘That’s good. I’ll come now. I was just about to search for a book Dave’s been telling me about.’ He gave his dad a pointed look. ‘But it can wait. I expect it’s in your bedroom, isn’t it?’

‘Ah.’ Alf gave Dave a hard stare.

‘I didn’t know you hadn’t told him,’ he protested.

‘What’s the secret, Dad?’

‘No secret. I have a copy for you, and I intended to give it to you one day. I just haven’t got around to it yet.’

Noting his dad’s uncomfortable expression, Bob smiled. ‘I look forward to reading it, and well done.’

‘Thanks.’ He laughed nervously. ‘But Steve did all the hard work and dragged me to the museum. I’d never have done it without him, and I owe him and his family more than I can ever repay.’

‘You’re repaying that debt now. Let’s go and make sure Steve doesn’t try to get out of bed while we’re not there. Come on, Dave, let’s all go and congratulate him. I want us to give him all the encouragement possible.’

Steve was sitting on the bed with everyone clustered around him, smiling and happy about this big step forward.

‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ Daisy said as soon as they walked in. ‘He did it all by himself.’

‘Well done.’ Bob stood beside the wheelchair. ‘Now, can you get out again?’

‘I’ll try.’

‘Take your time and don’t worry if you can’t. You’ve crossed the first hurdle, and it will get easier with each attempt.’ He gave Steve a sly wink, making his mouth twitch in amusement. On the way home they had agreed not to tell anyone where they had been today, not wanting to raise false hopes. For the moment this would be kept between the two of them.