Sinners and Shadows Read Online Free PDF

alone. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a vacancy in the Pontypridd store, and one wasn’t expected to arise for another month. He only hoped he could survive her irritating adoration until then.
    Miss Robertson saw him staring at Tonia and realized she had been transparent in her reference to ‘gossip’. ‘Now you have acquainted me with the facts, Mr Evans, I will put an end to the girls’ rumour-mongering.’
    â€˜See that you do, Miss Robertson.’ Joey retrieved the bag. ‘Is there anything else?’
    â€˜No, Mr Evans.’
    â€˜I will return at seven o’clock. In the meantime, should any problems arise, consult Mr Carter.’
    Miss Robertson looked disapprovingly down her hooked nose. ‘Yes, Mr Evans.’
    Joey tipped his hat and walked past her. Thora Robertson’s hostility towards his assistant manager, Samuel Carter, was another source of annoyance. At twenty-five, Sam was three years older than him, but unfortunately not as assertive, and Miss Robertson continually belittled him in an attempt to undermine his authority. It didn’t help that Sam, like the girls in her department, was terrified of her, and diffident and reluctant to give her orders.
    Joey waved to Sam, who was overseeing the transfer of the last of the sales stock from the warehouse on to the shop floor, and quickened his step. For the next few hours Sam, Thora Robertson and Gwilym James would just have to get on without him as best they could. And, with any luck, every Thursday in future, because if that was the only day Rhian was free, he intended to spend as much of it with her as he possibly could.
    He slowed his pace when he left the store and stopped to greet friends and neighbours as he strolled down Dunraven Street, but it was still only ten o’clock when he reached the station. Entering the nearest confectioner’s, he braved the hostility of an old girlfriend who served there and splashed out on a half-pound, shilling box of Rowntree’s assorted chocolates.
    Between the chocolates, train fare, lunch in the City Restaurant and the film in the Park Hall he had promised Rhian, it was going to be an expensive day. But it would be money well spent if he succeeded in convincing her that he was serious about wanting to court her. He was behind the door, packing the chocolates into the carrier bag that held the coat, when Rhian walked in. She went to the counter without seeing him.
    â€˜Two penny bars of Fry’s Five Boys chocolate, please.’
    He tapped her on the shoulder. ‘You don’t have to get those. I’ve bought us a box.’
    Rhian blushed when she saw the young female assistant staring at her. ‘They’re for Sali’s children.’
    â€˜We’ll call in on her together.’ Joey dug his hand into his pocket again and pulled out two shillings. ‘I’ll have a tin of Mackintosh’s toffees as well, please, Sara.’
    â€˜You two courting?’ Sara enquired bluntly.
    â€˜Since when has courting been a criminal offence?’ Joey answered, avoiding her question.
    â€˜Since you took it up,’ Sara retorted. ‘I’d be careful if I were you, miss. Think again before going out with this one. He had a girl for every day of the week and two for Sundays, even when we were in the babies’ class in school.’
    â€˜We were three years old, Sara,’ Joey protested.
    â€˜That didn’t stop you calling on me, or my dad from sending you packing. Everyone could see what you were like, even then.’ There was an edge to her flippant tone and Rhian had a feeling that Sara wasn’t just talking about when she and Joey had been three years old.
    Joey dropped the toffees alongside the chocolates in his bag, opened the door and held it for Rhian. ‘Bye, Sara.’
    â€˜Bye, Joey. Enjoy the chocolates, miss.’
    Joey offered Rhian his arm as they walked up the street.
    â€˜No, thank you,’