Desperate Measures Read Online Free PDF Page B

fashions. They’re dry–cleaned before going on sale, and though most are from last season, if you buy something classic, and maybe just dress it with beads or a scarf, it’ll carry you through for years.’
    ‘I’m not sure what you mean by classic, so would…would you help me to choose something?’ Betty asked, going slightly pink.
    ‘Yes, of course.’
    ‘Oh, Val, thank you,’ said Betty, gratefully.
    After that the conversation remained on clothes, designers, and the sort of style that Val thought would suit Betty.
    Val then rose to leave, disappointed that Betty hadn’t confided in her any further, but she consoled herself with the thought that it was early days yet. ‘Thanks for the tea. I know we’re going shopping in a couple of weeks, but until then, if you aren’t busy in the evenings, you can always pop down to see me.’
    ‘I might just do that,’ Betty said, looking pleased at the invitation. ‘Or you can come up here to see me.’
    ‘Yes, all right,’ Val said. ‘Come on, Treacle, time for your dinner.’
    The dog trotted to her side and, after saying goodbye to Betty, they returned downstairs. Val fed Treacle, and then curled on her sofa, feet tucked under her as she went over her plans–beginning with Paula. It would be risky, and she wasn’t sure the others would be willing to go along with her ideas, but they would need Betty to pull it off. Had she been hurt? So badly that she’d agree to join them? God, Val hoped so.

Chapter Five
    During the next couple of weeks, Val tried to concentrate on her work, but as usual found it boring. She saw Betty at least four times in the evenings but, worried that rushing things would frighten the woman off, no further confidences had been exchanged. Though they had little in common, they were becoming relaxed in each other’s company. Val appreciated Betty’s warm personality, her motherly nature and, obviously lonely, Betty always seemed so grateful to see her.
    When Val started out, other than Paula, she hadn’t expected to grow attached to her recruits. She’d seen them as a means to an end, a way to bring closure–not just for Paula and herself, but for them too. Instead she found herself becoming emotionally involved, and that now included Betty too.
    While trying to recruit Betty, she’d hadn’t seen much of Paula, but kept in telephone contact with both her and Cheryl. So far there was little to tell them, but after this trip to the second–hand shop, Val decided that over coffee she’d open up again. Surely it would work this time? Surely Betty felt confident enough now to confide in her?
    She and Betty were searching the racks, but Val felt a wave of displeasure. Yes, the clothes were nice, of good quality, but nevertheless they weren’t new. At one time she had shopped only in the best outlets, her clothes all bearing designer labels, but because of Mike Freeman, look what she’d come down to. Her wages were low, her car an old wreck, and she was forced to dress in clothes that other women had discarded.
    Val’s thoughts were cut off as Betty held up a busily flowered skirt, smiling with delight as she said, ‘I like this one, Val.’
    ‘Yes, it’s pretty, but maybe something that isn’t gathered so fully around the waist would be better. Something like this,’ she suggested, holding out a fawn, linen skirt that would skim the hips to gently flare out at the hem.
    Betty looked doubtful. ‘Do you think so?’
    ‘Why don’t you try it on?’
    ‘All right, but I’ll try this one too,’ she said, taking both skirts to the changing room.
    Val waited outside and when Betty came out wearing the fawn skirt she was beaming. ‘I’ve never worn this shape before, but I must admit it makes me look slimmer. My broad hips have always been a problem and, as you know, I usually wear full skirts to conceal them.’
    ‘Yes, but to be honest, gathers or pleats make them look wider. That skirt looks wonderful and the length is