Born to Dance (21 page)

The murder of Foxy Gordon made the headlines in all the national papers. POPULAR BOXING IMPRESARIO SHOT read one. MYSTERY DEATH OF FOXY GORDON wrote another. Everyone was talking about it. The world of boxing was in shock. There was to be a post-mortem, of course, but there was no doubt as to how the man had met his death. The mystery was – who had pulled the trigger?

Detective Inspector Phillips was discussing the death with his sergeant. ‘I reckon it was someone from the Firm in retaliation for Wally Cole’s murder.’

‘We’ll never be able to prove it without the weapon, guv. And by now, it’s probably at the bottom of the Thames,’ Sergeant Beckett said, then added, ‘but at least we can stop our search for proof of Gordon’s involvement. Someone has saved the force a lot of man-hours.’

‘I know, but I hate unsolved murders. We’ll have to go through the motions and question members of the gang. We won’t achieve anything, but we have to be seen to be trying.’

Mickey O’Halleran, on the other hand, was devastated by the sudden demise of his trainer. As he told Bonny, ‘Everything I am, I owe to that man.’

Bonny looked thoughtful. ‘You know, after Wally Cole’s death, Foxy told me that he took care of his own. I’ve often wondered if he was behind it. What do you think?’

Mickey let out a sigh. ‘I think he was. After all, he was convinced that the Firm was behind Charlie Black’s death, and of course he was proved right when Jimmy Knight was charged with the murder. Then Cole was behind your accident in the show. There was a lot of bad feeling between the two of them. But murder …’

‘What will happen to the gym, do you think?’

‘At this moment, it’s open, but in the future, I have no idea.’

Eventually the coroner brought in a verdict of unlawful killing and the body was released for burial. Foxy had no family and so it was Mickey who arranged the funeral.

‘It’s the least I can do for the man,’ he told Bonny.

Foxy Gordon’s funeral was like a local state occasion. Everyone who was to do with the boxing world turned out to pay their respects – and from the world of theatre too. After all, Foxy was an angel and had invested a great deal of money in Giles Gilmore’s production, which was now on tour.

The hearse was filled with floral tributes, as was the car behind. The church was packed, and during the service various members of the boxing world spoke of Foxy and his successes. Then Mickey O’Halleran stood at the lectern. He spoke without notes.

‘I am here today to pay tribute to a friend and mentor,’ he began. ‘When I first came to England from Ireland with dreams of becoming a champion, it was Foxy who listened to my ambitions, who took me on and began to train me. He was a hard taskmaster but fair. If you worked hard, he was pleased – but if you didn’t you got the length of his tongue – which could be lethal!’ There were a few chuckles from those who had worked with him.

‘He had strict rules about the behaviour of his boys. You kept out of trouble, you didn’t drink to excess and never when you were training, and you never gambled. Although Foxy himself loved a game of poker, he said that not everyone could keep control of their money as he did and so he forbade it. He said that if we were under his training, we were to uphold the good name of boxing as long as we were part of it.

‘As you all know, he also became involved in the theatre and was a backer for Giles Gilmore’s production, which gave him great pleasure, but his heart was in the fight game and there was no one to match him.

‘I stand before you as a champion, but I would never have reached this pinnacle in my career without him. I owe everything to him. I am proud of my association of such a great man, and the day he died I lost not only my mentor, but also a very dear friend.’ He walked to his seat and sat down, trying hard to control his emotions.

Bonny had heard the break in his voice and knew how deeply he felt the loss of Foxy Gordon. She caught hold of his hand and held on to it throughout the service. And after the final hymn, she walked with him to a nearby hotel for the wake.

During the time that people drank and ate from the buffet that
Mickey had arranged, Mickey was approached by Foxy’s solicitor. ‘Tomorrow morning I would like you and Miss Burton to come to my office as I have the reading of Mr Gordon’s will. Is ten o’clock suitable?’

Somewhat puzzled, Mickey agreed. Turning to Bonny he said, ‘I can’t imagine why he wants us there.’

‘It’s certainly a mystery – to me in particular. Well, we’ll soon find out I suppose.’

The following morning, Bonny and Mickey sat in the office of the solicitor. There was no one else there and Mickey was wondering why they had been summoned. They were both given a cup of coffee and then the solicitor began. ‘I’ll skip all the legal jargon in the beginning and get down to the nitty gritty of the will, if that’s all right with you?’

Mickey nodded his approval.

‘Mr Gordon says here, “I have no dependents, but I look upon Mickey O’Halleran as the son I never had. He has worked hard to achieve his success and he has done it with dignity and charm and he has upheld the good name of boxing throughout his career. But as we all know, a fighter has one day to hang up his boxing gloves. I know of no other man who holds the fight game with such affection and pride as I do and I want him to continue to be part of it. I want the work of training up-and-coming talented young men to continue and I can’t think of a better man to take on this task than Mickey O’Halleran. Therefore, I leave to him my gym and the money in my estate with which to continue my work. I also leave five thousand pounds to Bonny Burton towards the cost of opening a dancing school. I feel a certain responsibility for the accident which befell her and put an end to her dancing career in the theatre. I know she will be a success because she loves her work as much as I love mine.’”

The solicitor looked up from the paper. ‘That about winds it up. We’ll have to go to probate, of course, which will take some time, but Mr O’Halleran, there is a substantial amount of money in the estate. More than enough for you to fulfil his request.’

Both Bonny and Mickey were stunned. Mickey groped for words. ‘I had no idea. I mean, I’ve never even considered the way he felt about me. A son he never had!’ His voice trembled. ‘That is such a compliment.’

The solicitor smiled. ‘Congratulations to both of you. I am sure you will use the money wisely to carry out his wishes.’

‘Of course,’ they answered in unison.

‘I’ll be in touch, Mr O’Halleran, Miss Burton. I’m sure all those working in the gym will be relieved that it’s to remain open.’

Mickey beamed at the man. ‘It’s the first thing I’m going to do – pass on the good news. There are some really talented young men there who thought their dreams were over. Now they can relax.’ He shook the man by the hand.

Bonny and Mickey took a taxi to the gym where Mickey gave everyone the good news, which was greeted with cheers and enthusiasm.

‘I’ll be in tomorrow to see you all, but I have some serious thinking to do. As you can imagine this has come as a complete surprise to me and I have to try and get my brain around it all.’

Several of the men came over to congratulate him and wish him well.

As they left the premises, Mickey took Bonny by the hand. ‘We need to go somewhere quiet and talk about this,’ he said. And they made their way to a nearby hotel, where they found a quiet corner to have a drink and discuss the future.

Bonny was still stunned by her good luck. ‘Five thousand pounds is a small fortune!’ she exclaimed. ‘How very kind of Foxy.’

‘He felt badly about your accident, as he was the one that Wally Cole was trying to get at. That’s why he left you the money. Now you can look for a place in the city itself. You need to be in the centre of things to be successful and …’ He paused. ‘I think you should call it the Bonny Burton School of Dance!’

‘I like the sound of that, but why?’

‘Because your name is known, and your skills admired. Why waste the opportunity to use this kind of publicity?’

She thought about it, then realized that Mickey was right. ‘But how are you going to run Foxy’s gym and train for another fight? How will you find the time to do both?’

He slowly sipped his beer. ‘I’ve always thought a champion should finish his career at the top of his game. There’s nothing worse than seeing a winner slowly slide down the ladder of success. It’s a very sad sight.’

‘So, what are you saying?’ Bonny held her breath.

‘I’m saying that I am going to retire from the ring.’

She stared hard at him. ‘Oh, Mickey, are you sure? You love what you do and you’re good at it.’

‘Yes, princess, at the moment I am, but this last fight was hard, it could have gone either way, and who’s to say my next opponent won’t beat me?’ He took her hand in his. ‘I want to go out of the fight game as champion, not as a has-been. Now Foxy has given me a task that will give me a great deal of satisfaction – bringing on new boxers. Teaching them to be champions.’ He smiled softly. ‘As
you
will train new dancers, to work in the West End theatres, who may become stars, as you were.’

Bonny threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly, much to the amusement of the others sitting in the lounge bar. ‘Oh, Mickey! I am so happy to hear that. I thought I’d die watching you in the ring the other night. I thought that man was going to kill you!’

He burst out laughing. ‘Thanks very much. I’d hoped you had more faith in me that that!’

‘You know what I mean,’ she chided. ‘It breaks my heart to see you getting hurt. It’s almost more that I can bear.’

‘There is just one more thing I want to do before all this takes place.’

‘And what’s that?’

He gazed lovingly at her. ‘I want us to get married. We have no reason to wait. If we do, we’ll be so caught up in our new careers that we won’t have the time. Will you marry me, Bonny darlin’?’

She looked at him, caressed his face and said, ‘Of course I will.’

‘How soon can you be ready to get married? Please don’t say months!’

She laughed heartily. ‘Don’t be ridiculous! You forget, as a dancer I’m used to quick changes. How soon can you arrange a wedding?’

He looked at her with amusement. ‘I know you want a quiet one with not many guests, just family and close friends, so I’ll try and find a vicar with an opening in three or four weeks. Will that be all right?’

‘Perfect,’ she said and kissed him again. ‘We had best go down to Southampton at the weekend and warn my parents.’

Mickey pulled a face. ‘What will we do if your father refuses to give me your hand in marriage?’

‘Elope!’ She started to chuckle. ‘As if he would. You are a hero to my Dad after he took you to the pub; to tell everyone you are
his son-in-law will give him the greatest pleasure. And Mum already has a soft spot for you.’

He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, ‘I know all your soft spots.’

‘Mickey! Will you behave!’

The Burtons were delighted with the news and they opened the bottle of champagne that Mickey had brought with him. ‘How exciting!’ Millie cried. ‘We’ll have to start the search for your wedding gown, Bonny dear. Are you having any bridesmaids?’

‘We just want a quiet wedding, Mum, with close friends and family. I would like Shirley to be with me, but that’s all. We hope to make it in about a month’s time.’

‘So soon?’ Millie was horrified.

Then they both told her parents about the contents of Foxy’s will and how they would soon be very busy. ‘So you see, Mum, we don’t have a lot of time.’

‘But you’ll be married from here – won’t you?’

Bonny looked at Mickey.

‘If we can find a vicar who has a space for us in that time, Mrs Burton, then yes, we will, but if we can be married sooner in London, then …’

Bonny’s mother wasn’t having any of that. ‘Right, then I suggest that you and Bonny call upon the vicar of St Michael’s church today, after we’ve had a bit of lunch. Then we’ll know where we stand.’

Mickey winked at Bonny. ‘Yes ma’am!’

Luckily, the vicar was able to accommodate them. I have time in four weeks,’ he told them. ‘We can call the first banns this Sunday, so I’ll book your wedding for two o’clock on October the fourth. I expect you in church tomorrow morning to hear the first calling of your banns.’

‘We’ll be there,’ Mickey promised.

Once outside, Bonny said, ‘I thought we were going back to London this evening?’

‘I couldn’t refuse the vicar now, could I? And, if I’m right, the couple concerned have to be in church at least once to hear their banns read. Come on, I’ll book us in to the Dolphin Hotel for this evening.’

Bonny had quickly bought a wash bag with soap and toothpaste and toothbrushes for their brief stay, and Millie had given her a nightdress, which was still among her belongings at home. When in the hotel room, she got undressed and picked up the gown. Mickey, who was lying on the bed watching her, caught hold of her and pulled her down beside him. ‘You surely don’t intend to put that damned thing on, do you?’

‘Well, I was going to.’ She smiled provocatively at him.

‘What a waste of time, I’ll only have to take it off again. Come here.’

He gathered her into his arms and rained kisses on her. He caressed her body as he whispered how they were going to be together for the rest of their lives. How he would love her and cherish her.

Bonny was carried away in a state of desire and love for this man who now climbed on top of her and slowly entered her.

Later, they lay curled up together like two spoons and slept.

And the following morning, Bonny, Mickey and her parents attended the morning service together. After, they walked along the waterfront and went into the Red Lion for a celebratory lunch before returning to London.

The following four weeks were frantically busy for both Bonny and Mickey. He was busy setting up a programme for the gym and he insisted on covering the costs of the wedding and the reception after, to be held at the Polygon Hotel. The guest list had been made, but as time was short the invites had been conveyed over the telephone.

Giles Gilmore, on receiving his, insisted on buying Bonny’s wedding dress as a gift, saying, ‘You are still my star, darling, and I want you to look like one!’

He took her to all the most expensive shops in London until they found a dress that pleased them both. Bonny stood before him in a long ivory gown with a short train. It was simply styled, with a low neckline and fitted bodice that showed her neat frame to perfection. The rhinestones and pearls, which were scattered over the body of the dress, were delicate in design. She chose a short veil, held in place by a small crown made of diamanté.

As Giles said: ‘You are going to be queen for a day so wear a crown! And I know exactly what sort of bouquet you must carry.’ He arranged that too.

Shirley was thrilled to be asked as bridesmaid, and she and Bonny toured the shops for her dress. They chose a pale forget-me-not blue, which was ideal for Shirley’s blonde hair, which would be adorned with a small diamanté tiara.

The girls enjoyed their time together, catching up on all the news. ‘I owe you so much,’ Shirley remarked. ‘It was your suggestion to Rob that he let me take your place. I can never thank you enough.’

‘Rubbish! You have the talent, you just were never given the chance, but I’m delighted that you have been so successful. I’ve invited Rob to the wedding,’ Bonny told her friend.

‘Is he coming?’

‘He said he would try.’

‘Mm, I wonder if he will be able to stand in a church and see you marry another man? I doubt it.’

‘Oh, Shirley!’

‘Don’t “oh, Shirley” me! You know how he feels about you.’

‘I know, but we worked so well together, and I am fond of him – but only in a professional way.’

Shirley looked at Bonny with a calculating gleam. ‘Didn’t you fancy him ever?’

‘Of course! When we first saw him at the Palace Theatre, I thought he was a magnificent specimen. We all did, but that was all. When we started dancing together, it was the dance that was the most important – for me, anyway.’

‘Well, love, you can’t have a better specimen of manhood than Mickey O’Halleran! Women dribble over him when he steps into a boxing ring.’

‘I do that when he’s out of the ring, I can assure you,’ Bonny said with a wicked grin.

‘Enough! You’ll just make me jealous. Come on, let’s go and have a cup of tea. This shopping is thirsty work.’

The day of the wedding arrived, and despite trying to keep the event quiet, word had got out, and when the bride and groom emerged from the church after the ceremony there was a crowd of photographers waiting for them. The flashes from the cameras was blinding for a few minutes.

‘Sorry, darlin’, this wasn’t any of my doing,’ Mickey said.

Bonny glanced across at Giles, who had emerged with the others. ‘No, Bonny, I promise, it wasn’t me either. I knew you wanted a quiet affair, but you didn’t stand a chance. This is your home town; it was bound to get out with the calling of the banns.’

Mickey allowed the press to get their pictures and then held up his hand. ‘All right chaps, that’s enough. You’ve got your pictures, now I ask you to leave us to enjoy our day.’

There were cries of, ‘Good luck champ, Mrs O’Halleran. Congratulations to you both!’ And then the press made way for the official photographer.

At the wedding breakfast there were about thirty guests and it was a happy affair. Frank stood up to make his speech as father of the bride, looking somewhat nervous, but his happiness was evident as he spoke.

‘There can only be one man in this room who is happier than I am today and that’s my new son-in-law. And so he should be, because he’s getting a jewel of a girl for his wife. My Bonny has
been the apple of my eye from the moment she was born. I and her mother have been so proud of her success, but even more so from the way she has overcome the difficulties that life has thrown at her. But, strong as she is, I don’t think she would have managed to overcome them had not Mickey been at her side. Now they both are starting over again. I know they will succeed because they have the character to do so, but better still they have the love that binds them together. I give you a toast, Bonny and Mickey!’

Bonny was overcome by the sentiment from her father. He had never been one able to put his feelings into words until today, and for a moment she was unable to speak.

Eventually, Mickey stood up. ‘Millie, Frank, I am indeed a proud and happy man. How could I not be with this beautiful girl as my bride? It’s like being presented with the Lonsdale belt all over again! I would like to thank you all for being here and sharing this special day with us. Please raise your glasses to Mrs O’Halleran.’

The best man, a fellow Irishman and friend of Mickey, gave his speech, then read out the telegrams. There was one from Rob Andrews, who had not come to the reception:
Congratulations to you both. I wish you many long years together. Rob.

Shirley glanced across at her friend and smiled. She had been right after all. Today would have been too difficult for Rob to attend and she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

After a week’s honeymoon spent in Paris, the newly-weds returned to London, where they set about looking for somewhere to live and premises for Bonny’s dancing school. Mickey, of course, had to oversee the training programme he’d set up at the gym.

He was standing outside the ropes of the boxing ring, watching a trainee, calling out instructions, when he realized that everything in the building had gone quiet. When the two men in the ring also stopped sparring, Mickey wondered what on earth was going on … then he turned to look behind him. Standing in the hall were three of Wally Cole’s gang.

Since the demise of their boss, the Firm was slowly losing their grip on the underworld. Other gangs were slowly moving in on their territory; it was a known fact. The Firm were fighting for survival.

Mickey jumped down and walked over to the men. ‘What brings you here?’ he demanded.

The biggest one of the bruisers smirked and spoke. ‘We thought we’d look you up and make sure you weren’t being bothered by any unwanted pressure.’

Mickey stepped closer and glared at the man, poking him in the chest. ‘The only pressure inside these walls is from me to my men who work here. I won’t accept any from outside – from anyone. So gentlemen, I suggest you leave … Now!’

The smile faded and the gangster scowled. ‘Are you being stupid enough to threaten me, O’Halleran?’

‘No, I’m making you a promise. Leave my premises now, unscathed, or your men will have to carry you out!’ As he spoke Mickey was aware of movement around him. He looked over his shoulder. All his staff and trainee boxers were standing behind him. Some just stood, prepared, waiting for trouble; others had picked up chairs, cricket bats and any other object that would inflict pain.

The gangster took a step back. ‘You’ll be sorry you spoke to me like that!’ he threatened.

Mickey was not dismayed. ‘Don’t come here again, and if anything happens to my gym or any of my boys, I’ll come after you, you can bank on it!’

‘And if the champ is harmed, we’ll come after you!’ one of the others piped up.

The men turned and walked outside, muttering angrily.

‘Thanks boys,’ Mickey said, ‘I appreciate the support.’

‘Listen, champ,’ said one, ‘we are lucky to have this place and you. Nothing is going to spoil Foxy’s dream, you can bank on that!’

Mickey was deeply touched. So far he’d not been bothered by any protection racket and that was the way he was going to keep it, no matter what.

‘Right, lads, let’s get back to work!’ As he walked towards the boxing ring, he decided not to tell Bonny of this encounter, as she would only worry and she had enough on her plate at the moment, but he would give the local police a call and inform them of the visit. It was better to be safe than sorry.

It was a wise move, as the constable sent to keep a watchful eye on the premises foiled an attempt to set fire to the gym a week later. The culprits were caught and the Firm was finally eliminated.

The following weeks were a busy time for both Mickey and Bonny, but eventually they bought a house in Primrose Hill
and Bonny found ideal premises near Covent Garden for her school. She advertised for instructors and interviewed them, had the place redecorated and found a couple of good pianists. She had cards and paper printed, then started advertising for pupils. The school would open in a few weeks time. There was to be a grand opening, with Jack Buchanan cutting the ribbon, and many of theatre’s glitterati promised to attend, thereby ensuring massive publicity.

The influx of pupils wanting to attend had surpassed Bonny’s expectations, and she now had a waiting list – and to her great surprise Rob Andrews had promised to take on specialized classes, once a week, without a fee.

‘After all, Bonny,’ he said, ‘I’ll be keeping an eye open for talented dancers for my shows and what better place to look than here?’

She was at a loss for words.

When opening day arrived, happily the sun shone. The press coverage was good, and inside, trays of canapés and champagne were prepared, with waitresses ready to serve the guests. Bonny was walking up and down in an effort to calm her nerves and excitement, with Mickey on hand to help her.

Jack Buchanan arrived and greeted her warmly. ‘Bonny, my dear, how well you look!’

‘Oh, Jack, I’m so nervous.’

‘What? An old trouper like you? Come on, Bonny, take a deep breath. It’s show time!’ And he led her outside.

He made a heartfelt speech before cutting the ribbon and declaring the Bonny Burton School for Dance … open!

Stars of the theatre entered the premises and milled around, talking to each other. There were interviews taken for radio stations and pictures that would fill the national newspaper the following day. Mickey too, as the reigning champion, was also interviewed about his new life. It was a huge success.

Rob Andrews was among the guests and at the end he walked over to Mickey and shook his hand. ‘Sorry I didn’t make the wedding, but belated congratulations.’

Mickey smiled warmly at him. ‘Thanks, Rob, but we did get your telegram. Thank you for offering to take a weekly class for Bonny. That’s really good of you.’

‘She deserves to do well. After all, she’s had such bad luck and she was so very talented. It’s the least I could do.’ He made his excuses and left.

When it was all over, Mickey, with his arm round his wife, walked with her all over the new premises, listening to her plans for the classes, until they arrived back at the front door, ready to leave.

He took her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. ‘Tell me honestly, princess, is this going to be enough for you?’

Puzzled she asked, ‘What do you mean?’

‘You achieved such heights in your career, which was so suddenly taken from you … Is this now enough?’

She noted the concerned expression in his face and leaned forward and kissed him softly. ‘Considering what happened to me, I feel I’m lucky to be in a position to open a school. Then getting the money Foxy left me, which enabled me to be in the best location … How can you wonder if it is enough for me? Of course it is!’

He breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Of course, and to add to your luck you’re married to a handsome young Irish lad.’

‘Ah well, my luck had to run out at some time!’ She laughed loudly at the shocked expression on her husband’s face. ‘Come on, let’s go home and maybe
your
luck will change!’

‘You, Mrs, O’Halleran, are a hussy and I thank the good Lord for that!’

The two of them walked away, arms round each other, ready to take on any new challenge that life may throw at them, knowing that their love for one another would be enough to see them through the years yet to come.