Sinners and Shadows Read Free

take you back to Llan House by half past six and still be in time to oversee the rush. And then, unfortunately, it’s bedlam until we close at ten. And to think that I used to love Pandy Parade when I worked underground. It’s a different story now.’
    Thursday was the traditional pay night for the miners when, flush with the men’s wages, families embarked on their weekly shop. And, as practically the entire population of Tonypandy turned out, it had become known as ‘Pandy Parade’.
    â€˜I’ve made arrangements for next Thursday.’
    â€˜You’re going to see Sali.’
    â€˜How do you know?’ she asked suspiciously.
    â€˜Because I pay the children toffees to spy for me and they’ve told me that you always visit them on Thursday afternoons.’
    â€˜I do other things as well.’ She suddenly realized that outside of Llan House, Sali’s family, chapel and her rare shopping trips, she had no life.
    â€˜I’m sure that you haven’t made a single appointment next Thursday afternoon that can’t be rearranged or cancelled,’ he dismissed. ‘I’ll pick you up at Llan House after I’ve opened the store. Ten o’clock suit you?’
    â€˜No, I meant it when I said I’ve made arrangements. I really do need to get a winter coat –’
    â€˜Which, now that I know your size, I promise to organize for you,’ he interrupted.
    â€˜I need to do some other shopping.’
    â€˜Then we’ll meet at the railway station and get the half past ten train.’
    â€˜You don’t understand the meaning of “no” do you?’ she demanded irritably.
    â€˜Not when you say it, because I know you don’t really mean it. Admit it – you can’t wait to go out with me.’ He beamed at her.
    â€˜That is nonsense.’
    â€˜Is it?’
    â€˜Why don’t you ask one of your other girls to go out with you?’ She wanted him to know that she was aware of his reputation.
    â€˜Because I’m asking you,’ he persisted.
    â€˜I’m not looking for a young man.’
    â€˜I’m happy to hear it. Because you’ve just found one.’
    She was glad when the waitress interrupted them with the tea and cakes.
    â€˜I’ve put two of all your favourites on the plate, Mr Evans. I know how you love our cream puffs and custard slices.’
    â€˜You also know the way to a man’s heart, Ruby. These look delicious. Cream puff?’ He picked up one with his fork and spoon and held it over the plate Ruby had set in front of Rhian.
    â€˜I really haven’t time.’ She rose to her feet.
    â€˜It’s raining cats, dogs and elephants out there. You can’t go anywhere until it eases, so you may as well sit down, drink your tea and eat your cake.’
    â€˜You always this bossy?’
    He continued to gaze unabashed into her eyes. ‘Only with difficult women.’
    She sat down and looked at the cake on her plate. ‘This is enormous.’ She picked up her knife and fork and poked at it.
    â€˜You always visit Sali on your day off, don’t you?’
    â€˜I thought the children were your spies?’
    He ignored the gibe. ‘As she’s the ladies’ fashion buyer for all three Gwilym James stores, I’m surprised you didn’t ask her to set aside a coat for you.’
    â€˜Every time I ask Sali to get me something from Gwilym James, she insists on giving it to me as a present.’
    â€˜And you’re an independent lady who doesn’t like to receive presents?’
    â€˜I love getting presents on Christmas and birthdays,’ she qualified.
    He quartered his cream puff. ‘So, what did Sali buy you for Christmas this year?’
    â€˜A beautiful cream silk and lace evening dress.’
    â€˜With a lace over-tunic and lace trimming at the neck and hem?’
    â€˜Yes.’ She found it distinctly odd to be discussing