The rest had served under Ma before – who, Fiona gathered, was in the habit of opening Night Club after Night Club and moving to a new one each time the Police shut her down.
Ma was evidently quite a good sort, but it was wise to keep on the right side of her.
Once she banned a girl from her Clubs, it was impossible to get back. However, she meant to work them hard and she did, as Fiona found later on in the evening.
No girl was allowed to remain without a partner. Either Ma brought one up to her or else she was told to ‘see about one and damn quick too!’
About eleven-thirty, a few clients arrived, young men slightly the worse for drink.
Most of these men were greeted affectionately by their Christian names by the girls, who hung on to their arms, talking and laughing and persuading t
