The Toff and the Fallen Angels Read Online Free PDF Page A

child) - father unknown, Elspeth will not name him.
    Income: Nil.

    There followed a brief case history of Elspeth Jones, who had been disowned by her widowed father when he had been told that she was pregnant. Rollison did not read it all, but skipped to the bottom paragraph, under the heading: Personality and Talents

    A very pleasant and straightforward person with exceptional sense of loyalty. Without bitterness either towards lover or father. Lively, a good sense of fun, a good sense of colour and decor. Wholly trustworthy and likeable with a well-developed sense of integrity.

    Rollison looked up.
    â€˜Do you ever take in young women without being sure they are trustworthy and likeable?’ he asked.
    Without a moment’s hesitation, Naomi said: ‘Yes, of course. Smith Hall is not a place where people are prejudged. Some very unusual individuals are quite brilliant - all we do is create the conditions for them to study in their own specialised field. You would hardly complain if a man with a most unpleasant personality helped to find a cure for cancer would you? We have had some very off-putting girls, but as I said, until two months ago they all got along very well. Newcomers sometimes take some time to settle in, and are not always accepted quickly - that is one reason why I had momentary doubts about your Angela. Do you really think she will be prepared to help?’
    â€˜I’ll know before the day’s out,’ said Rollison. ‘And as soon as I know, I’ll telephone you. That’s a promise.’

Chapter 4
ANGELA

    Angela’s rosy cheeks were glowing, her blue eyes were bright, her plump and bouncy body seemed to quiver with excitement. She was short, only just five feet, but no one ever thought her small. Some called her a roly-poly and that, though old-fashioned, was very much on the ball. She wore a miniskirt which rode high above her stalwart calves and trim ankles, and a loose-fitting scarlet jumper with a polo neck. Her hair, golden in colour, had a silken lustre.
    â€˜Gorgeous!’ she gurgled. ‘Absolutely gorgeous, Rolly. Bless you for thinking of me.’
    â€˜Knowing you, could I have thought of anyone else?’ asked Rollison.
    â€˜I’d have hated you for life if you had. I’ve always wondered how it would feel to live branded by one’s own indiscretions. The incredible thing is that it happens so much today. Anyone would think that reasonably educated angels would know this was the Pill Age.’
    The Toff evaded that challenge neatly.
    â€˜So you’ll do it,’ he remarked.
    â€˜Rolly, darling, when can I start?’
    â€˜Very soon, I imagine. Tomorrow say?’
    â€˜Tomorrow is the day! Rolly, bless you! At long last I’m going to see how the other half lives.’ She bounced out of her chair, opposite his in the Gresham Terrace flat, and kissed him on either cheek. ‘Does Old Glory know about this?’
    â€˜Not yet,’ said Rollison.
    â€˜I daresay that’s wise.’ Angela, suddenly even more ecstatic, sat on his knee and flung an arm round his neck. He needed no reminding that she was a very feminine young woman and fleetingly thought of his morning talk with Jolly. Angela simply regarded him as an uncle; masculine certainly, but hardly male in the exciting sense. She hugged him. ‘You’re the absolute pet,’ she told him. ‘Now I can have two of my lifelong dreams fulfilled - to see the seamy side of life, and to play detective.’
    â€˜Angela,’ said Rollison, regarding her severely. ‘This is not a game.’
    â€˜Rolly, don’t be silly, I know it’s not.’ She stiffened theatrically, holding him at arm’s length. ‘ Richard ,’ she said in the tone all the family used when about to disapprove of him. ‘Don’t tell me you think I’m incapable of being serious!’
    â€˜You’re quite capable,’ Rollison assured her.