The Abbottsford Police Chronicles – John and Mary

(Part One)

John Holt was the same age as Bill Overend but joined the force two years after him but they had become firm friends, from the moment they met.
He and his wife, Mary, were Godparents to Bills eldest daughter Isabel.
But Bill had noticed a change in him over recent weeks which he first noticed on the night of Abbottsford Town’s home game against Abbeyvale.
“Mind if I join you chaps?” John asked.
Bill looked up from his program and recognizing John he stood up and shook his hand warmly.
“Hello John, I didn’t know you were a fellow sufferer.” Bill said.
“Of course you can join us.”
“Yes I come when I can.” John said. “Thanks.”
He introduced John to each man in turn starting with Ray.
“This is Bob.” Bill said gesturing with his hand.
“Welcome.” Bob said shaking John’s hand.
“The scruffy one’s Ray.” Ray stood and threw him a salute.
“And this is…”
“Come on stand up Ken.” Interrupted Tom. “Oh you are standing up.”
“…Ken.” Finished Bill.
“Good to meet you John.” Ken shook his hand vigorously.
“The big lump is Tom.” Bill started.
”He’s a publican.” Bill Added by way of explanation.
“And of course you know George.”
George Tiplady nodded and smiled.
“Hello sir.” Said John formally.
“No rank or titles here John”. Rebuked George. “Either George or Tip.”
John looked unsure and George smiled again.
“Perhaps George to begin with if you feel more comfortable.”
Said Tip.
“Evolution not revolution Eh?”
“Yes George.” Tried John and sat down.
Bill put his hand on John shoulder.
He was surprised, though pleasantly, to see John at a match he normally had better things to do with his spare time.
But the bigger shock came later when to Bills and everyone else’s surprise John Holt headed to the nearest hostelry with Bob and Ray.

(Part Two)

John was one of the uniformed Inspectors on the raid on the Fox and Flowerpot public house and he had very nearly been flattened by one of his own.
DC Jimmy Pidd was blocking access to the kitchens and held his ground until John Holt, tapped him on the shoulder; Jimmy shaped to throw a punch but pulled it at the last second.
“Sorry Guv!”
“That’s ok thank you for not hitting me Pidd.” Holt said
The whole operation lasted less than ten minutes but he found it thoroughly exhilarating.

The Monday after the raid the station was buzzing and everyone was on a high with a great deal of backslapping and glad-handing.
As Bill Overend was coming up the stairs from the canteen, he felt all was well with the world.
An exceedingly successful weekend, with the pub raid reaping untold rewards and Abbottsford Town, claiming their first away win of the season in the final away match.
Also since the anniversary of his stopping smoking, on St George’s day, he finally seemed to be rid of the annoying smoking related dreams.
Halfway up the stairs he met Inspector John Holt coming the other way.
“John. Great work Saturday night.” Bill said slapping his shoulder.
“Hello Bill, thanks it all went like clockwork.” He answered rather unenthusiastically.
“Clubley did well.”
Bill had been meaning to speak with John since he saw him at the match, a month ago.
He’d seemed very down for a while now.
“Do you fancy getting out lunchtime?” Bill asked.” Pie and a pint?”
“Yes, Great.” John actually brightened visibly.
“Twelve thirty then.” Bill said continuing up the stairs.
He pulled the office door open and he was immediately hit with a wave of excited chattering.
As usual it was Boris Katarski’s voice that could be heard clearly above the throng.
“I am definitely not conceited.”
“Ok what's your definition of conceit then?” Tilly asked poking him in the chest.
Boris thought for a second and then answered. “Someone who has an orgasm and calls out their own name.”
This was followed by a good deal of raucous laughter.
It was on days like this that made it all worthwhile.
“Morning All.” There was a chorus of replies.
He looked for Ben Clubley in the crowd.
“Ben?” He called.
“Guv!” Said a disembodied voice.
Then Ben’s head and shoulders appeared above a partition.
“Bloody good work Saturday Ben.” Bill said so everyone could here. “Bloody good.”
“Thanks Guv.”
“Drinks in the George tonight after work.” Invited Bill.
Detective Chief Inspector Bill Overend, in truth, felt very relieved that his faith in Ben Clubley had been totally justified.
He had wondered at DC Clubley’s request to have three TSG units on hand for a pub raid but he decided to give Clubley enough rope and hope that he didn’t hang himself or anyone else.
Part of him wished that he could be on hand to witness Superintendent Halpenny’s reaction when he saw the overtime bill.

(Part Three)

At shortly after twelve thirty Bill Overend and John Holt were seated in a relatively quiet corner of the George and Dragon.
John had barely spoken a word since they left the station.
Bill chatted idly about nothing in particular and waited patiently for John to unburden himself.
Bill was halfway through his pint when John finally spoke.
“We’ve separated.”
Bill didn’t know what to expect but he wasn’t expecting that.
“What?”
“Mary and I, We’ve separated.” John reiterated
“When?”
“Over a month now.” Said John.
“How the hell did that happen?”
“I don’t really know.” John laughed ironically.
“Is there someone else?”
“No, no one.” He said
“And Mary?”
“No.”
“Where are you living?” Bill asked
“In the section house.”
“Bloody hell John that’s not living.”
There was a lull in the conversation while Bill digested the information.
“Do you still love Mary?”
“Of course.” John replied frankly
“So what are you doing living in the section house?” Bill queried
“We just drifted apart I suppose.” John took a drink.
“If I play golf she goes walking, when I go fishing she goes shopping and when I go to the football she goes to the gym, we’re just living separate lives I suppose.”
“How long have you been married John? Eighteen, nineteen years?”
“Nearly twenty.” He replied
“Well don’t throw it all away without a fight.” Bill said.
“Take her round the golf course with you or go walking with her, go to the gym or the football or even shopping together.”
Bill paused to catch his breath.
“Or you need to find something that you can do together.
Like bowling, cinema, pub lunches or wine tasting, anything.”
“What if she doesn’t want to?” John said doubtfully.
“If you don’t try you’ll never know.”

(Part Four)

When Bill got back to the office he sat at his desk, picked up the phone and pressed the home button.
After three rings Sally’s voice answered.
“Hello?”
“Hi Sal it’s only me.”
“Hello love what’s up?”
“I have bad news, John and Mary have separated.”
“No that’s not possible.” She said incredulously
“It’s true I’m afraid I had lunch with John today.”
“Well we can’t let it happen.” Sally said in determined mood.
“My thoughts exactly.” Said Bill.
“I will have to pay Mary a visit. Where’s John living?” Sally asked.
“The section house.”
“But that’s not living.” She said
“That’s exactly what I said.”
“Ok I’ll go and see her this evening you’ll have to sort your own dinner tonight.”
“Alright I’m taking the squad for a beer tonight anyway so I‘ll grab a curry or something. Bye love.”
He kept the receiver in his hand and dialed an internal number.
“John? It’s Bill, listen do you fancy going for a curry later?”
“No sorry Bill I’d love to but I can’t, the whole relief is on operation “Clean streets” tonight.”
“Shit I forgot about that, never mind another time.” Bill exclaimed
“What about tomorrow? After the match?” John suggested. “You are going?”
“Of course I'm going. I’ll see you there.”

(Part Five)

Despite Sally’s best efforts she had been unable to track Mary down since Bill gave her the news but Sally was not easily discouraged and eventually she succeeded in the end, almost by accident.
Sally knew that Mary worked part time for a Chartered Surveyor’s in Nettlefield.
So she decided she would drive to Nettlefield and lay in wait for her leaving work.
As she had plenty of time she stopped in Northchapel on the way first to run a few errands.
It was as she was leaving the locksmiths after having completed the last of her errands that she quite literally bumped into Mary.
She was rummaging in her bag with one hand and was looking up at the town clock when she collided with Mary who was also looking up at the clock.
“Oh I’m so sorry.” Sally said as she fumbled on the floor picking up bits of shopping. “I’m afraid I wasn’t looking were I was going.”
“No need to apologize my head was somewhere else.” Answered Mary also fumbling on the floor.
When everything had been gathered up, the two women stood up and adjusted their appearance before looking at each other.
It took, the two women, about thirty seconds for what they were seeing to register.
When they did eventually believe the evidence of their own eyes both women began to talk at the same time.
They hugged and kissed, still talking ten to the dozen.
The most amazing part of this scenario was that even though neither woman stopped talking, they both appeared to hear and acknowledge every word the other had uttered.
This extraordinary scene lasted about thirty seconds.
Once the dust had settled the two friends drew fresh breath.
It transpired that Mary had the day off work, because her car was in the garage, and had come into Northchapel on the bus.
It was agreed that refreshments were in order and they made their way to a nearby wine bar.
Afterwards Sally suggested Mary go back to the house.
Bill was going straight to the match after work and then on for a meal so they would have plenty of time to catch up.
On the short journey from Northchapel to Chapel Hill the two women traveled in virtual silence even Sally said very little, just small talk.
When she had first heard of the separation Sally’s head was full of all the right things to say but now she was with Mary she couldn’t think of a single thing to say.
As Sally was parking the car Mary suddenly spoke.
“I suppose you’ve heard about the separation?”
Sally pulled the handbrake and switch off the engine.
“Yes, a couple of days ago.” Sally answered. “I’ve been trying to get hold of you ever since.”
“I know, I got some of your messages on the answer phone. I guessed you must have found out.”
“Why didn’t you call me when it happened?” Sally asked.
“I was ashamed.” She answered. “I was ashamed to tell anyone.”
“Ashamed?” Sally said in amazement. “You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Mary looked at Sally and dissolved into tears and fell into Sally’s arms.

(Part Six)

It was a cool damp evening at Abbottsfield, The home of Abbottsford Town Football Club but it was really buzzing.
John was the first to arrive of his group, recently he tended to be everywhere first.
It was because he didn’t have many demands on his leisure time.
As they neared the kick off the usual group had already congregated in the usual place with the exception of George Tiplady who had to suffer the company of the ACC in the director’s box and Bill Overend who was late arriving.
When Bill got there he sat in one of the two seats that had been saved.
On the row in front of John, occupying four seats, sat Bob Philips, Ray Robinson and Ken Cake when Bill told them George wasn’t coming Ken moved along leaving the end seat vacant.
After a few minutes an attractive Brunette took the spare seat.

A moment before the match started Bill leant forward and put his hand on Bobs shoulder.
“Bob, don’t rush off after the game, John and I need to have a word.”
“Ok Bill.” Bob replied

At half time Ken was going off to get refreshments.
“I’m going for a hot dog, can I get one for you Bill?” Asked Ken.
“No thanks Ken.” Bill answered. “Can you get me a coffee though?”
“What about you young lady?” Ken said addressing Lizzie.
“Oh thank you. A coffee please, black.” She said “Thanks.”
“I’ll come with you Ken.” Offered Tom.
“Are you coming John?”
“Yes, I think I will.”

At the end of the match everyone was in buoyant mood after Abbottsford Town had won 2-0
And after everyone had made their goodbyes Bill, John and Bob hung back.
When they were alone they began to walk slowly down the steps.
“What did you want to see me about?” Bob asked.
The conversation between two policemen and a journalist centered on an Anti-Vice imitative, a prominent public figure and a carrier bag full of soiled underwear obtained from the working girls.
It was all highly sensitive information that the two police officers hoped would be used responsibly by the journalist.
After the information had been imparted the three men stood laughing until a foul mouthed, steward moved them on and they moved on down the steps.
“What are you charging him with?” Asked Bob.
“Obstructing the Police.” Bill replied and anticipating Bobs next question. “For giving a false name and address.”
The steward re-appeared and uttered a few more expletives in their direction.
“If you lot don’t move on I’ll have the Police on you.”
At this Bill and John both produced their warrant cards and thrust them in the steward’s face.
“Now piss off before I have to get my card out.” Bob said.
When the steward was out of earshot Bill said.
“I’m sure he’d be very impressed if you showed him your press pass Bob.”
Then they moved off.

(Part Seven)

After they left a chuckling Bob Philips, Bill and John went in search of the nearest Indian restaurant, which seemed to take no time at all.
The rest of the evening however seemed to last forever.
Despite Bill’s best efforts and the elation of the evenings events John soon sank back into the same depressed state Bill had found him to be in for the past few weeks.
Afterwards when Bill had paid for the meal, it was obvious that John, although not legless, had drank too much to drive.
Normally Bill’s first impulse would have been to drop John at the section house and make his way home.
That’s precisely what he would have done, but for the fact he received a phone call shortly before entering the restaurant as a result of which John was now unfit to drive.
The plan was set, John would go home with Bill and he could pick up his car next morning.
John fell asleep on the way so Bill phoned home.
When they arrived at Bill’s they both got out of the car and walked towards the front door.
As Bill took out his door key John asked.
“Are you sure Sally won’t mind?”
“You know you’re always welcome here John.”
Bill opened the door.
“Hello!” Called Bill.
“I’m in the kitchen love.” Answered Sally.
“Go and make yourself at home.” Bill said, “I’ll go and speak to the boss.”
John pushed open the door and walked in.

Bill rushed into the kitchen to join Sally.
She was leaning on the counter and peering through the partly opened hatch.
He kissed her on the cheek and then joined her spying through the hatch.

After John passed through the door he stopped suddenly as he saw Mary sitting on the sofa.
John turned to close the door.
“Hello Mary.”
Mary stood up.
“I think we need to talk.” She said, “Don’t we?”

(Part Eight)

The Tivoli theatre was an old cinema originally built in the twenties.
At that time it was the only cinema for twenty miles in any direction so Abbottsford was the envy of the district.
By the late seventies however films had gone out of fashion and the theatre was closed.
It was in disuse for more than ten years, it was however spared the indignity of becoming a bingo hall as many a fine picture house had.
When the cinema revival happened, Chris Bourne, a local man made good, who like many had fond memories of the Tivoli, mainly associated with courting, restored the theatre to its former glory.
Ironically it was the advent of satellite television and video rental, supposed to give us all so much choice of home viewing, which seemed to spark the revival.
It was feared for a while that the renovations would be in vain as a new multiplex cinema was opened in the new Phoenix shopping center development.
But Chris Bourne was unperturbed and decided that the Tivoli should specialize in classic movies and retrospectives.
As a result people traveled from miles around, as they did in the twenties and thirties.
The theatre was located in the older part of town in what used to be the high street.
There were no longer any shops in the high street they had long since moved into the Phoenix center.
When the Abbottsford ring road was opened the High street was pedestrianized and this had inadvertently created a sought of leisure haven.
Where once the road had ran were now benches, planters, ornamental lights and even a fountain.
The vacant shops had for some time now been occupied by a collection of restaurants, fast food outlet's bars, café’s and wine bars.
The only premises not connected to food or drink were charity shops, craft shops, second hand book shops, two art gallery’s and of course the Tivoli Theatre.

(Part Nine)

John and Mary had talked for more than an hour in Bills front room and after establishing that they both loved each other resolved to give it another go.
But it meant a new start and not a return to the old ways that had driven them to separation.
Which was why they were in the high street on the way to the Tivoli Theatre.
They were strolling through what used to be the high street enjoying the warm May evening and each other’s company.
They were just approaching the cinema when John spotted someone he knew sitting outside a café looking at his watch.
“Let’s go and say hello” John said
“Who too?” she asked
He nodded in the direction of the fidgeting young man seated outside Luigi’s.
“Hello Boris.” John Holt said.
“Hello sir.” Answered Boris.
“It’s John when were off duty Boris.”
“This is my wife Mary.” John said proudly and turned towards her.
“Mary this is Boris.”
Boris stood and shook hands.
“I've heard a lot about you Boris.” Mary said smiling.
“Do you mind if we join you?”
“Please.” Boris gestured to an empty chair and John Holt attended the chair for his wife until she was settled and then he sat himself.
“Are you meeting someone?” Mary asked.
“Yes.” Boris answered and then he elaborated. “It’s our first date so I’m a little nervous.”
“Same for us in a manor of speaking.” John said and then he and Mary smiled knowingly to each other.
That was one of the things they wanted to return to, the time they were courting and everything was shared.
John ordered the drinks.
“Where are you taking her?” They asked in unison and then giggled.
“To the Tiv.” Boris nodded in the direction of the theatre.
“Oh us too.” Said Mary.
“It’s a great film isn’t it?” Boris said
“We’ve never seen it.” John replied
“Really? You’ve never seen it?” Boris was amazed.
“You seem surprised?” said John.
“Well its just that’s it’s a bit of a classic.”
Just then a very attractive brunette appeared and hovered behind Boris.
When he noticed her he turned around sharply.
“Hi.” The girl said smiling broadly. “You’re early.”
Boris stood up.
“Hi.”
Boris gazed at her transfixed to the point of staring which he seemed to realize because he stopped suddenly.
“Um this is Mary and John and this is Lizzie.” Boris paused briefly for the introductions.
“John is an Inspector at my station.” He explained.
“Yes I know John.” Both men looked surprised.
“The match on Wednesday.” She explained.
“Of course I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.”
“Well I have scrubbed up a bit.” Lizzie said.
“You can say that again.” Boris said and the blushed to his roots.
Momentarily unaware he had said it out loud.
Introductions out of the way Boris began the conversation.
“John and Mary are going to the Tiv as well. But they’ve never seen the film before.”
“Really?” she said in a tone suggesting they must be from another planet.
“What made you decide to see it now?”
“Well we have decided to have something of a life change.” John said holding Mary’s hand tightly and gazing into her eyes.
Boris and Lizzie looked a little puzzled.
“And “It’s a wonderful life” seemed like an appropriate place to start.
Boris and Lizzie looked even more puzzled though John and Mary barely noticed.
After a few minutes Boris suggested that he went to buy the tickets while Lizzie finished her drink.
“That’s a good idea.” She said and suggested that John should join him.
As soon as the men were out of earshot Lizzie said
“I’m sorry Mary but my curiosity has got the better of me”
Mary smiled.
“John and I have been married for nearly 20 years, but we had drifted apart, we lived separate lives almost”
She paused briefly
“A month ago we separated” she said
“Oh” Lizzie said unsure what to say “But?”
“But, friends intervened” she said
“And we have begun again” and Mary sighed
Just then the men returned with the tickets so the girls finished their drinks and excused themselves to the toilets.
When they returned Mary took John’s hand and looked lovingly into his reciprocating eyes.
To Boris’s surprise Lizzie slipped her hand into his and they all made there way to the theatre.