In the Village of Pepperstock Green – Chapter (060) – Old Times

 February

 

New to the village was writer Steve Eaton, who moved to the village for a new start after he and his long term girlfriend split up acrimoniously, he chose Pepperstock Green because he had never heard of it, and if it was unfamiliar to him it would certainly be to her, and that suited him very well indeed as he never wanted to run into her again unless it was in a car and he was driving.

 

He kept very much to himself for the first year and diverted himself by burying himself in his work and poured all his bile and anger into his novel.

He never went out and everything he needed he ordered online and had delivered to the cottage.

When the book was nearly completed, he relaxed a little and allowed himself a few solitary walks around the village and its environs but restricted his constitutionals to early morning before the rest of the village were awake.

He kept that up for another couple of months and then he was ready to re-join the world and put in an appearance at St Agatha’s and caused something of a stir, as he had been much talked about since his arrival in the village, admittedly as much for his reclusiveness as his reputation as a writer.

 

Following a few appearances at St Agatha’s and a couple at the Black Wolf he thought it time to make his intentions known by showing that the village was to be part of his long term future, a visit to Richmond’s General Store well and truly ticked that box when he went in and ordered his papers and magazines to be delivered, after that were some more grown up destinations.

 

It was his first visit to the Dentalcare surgery, but he wasn’t there as a patient on that occasion, he wanted to register with them and his next port of call after them was the Doctors.

He should have done it when he first arrived in the village almost 18 months earlier, but he wasn’t in the right frame of mind for that at the time.

His plan was to register so that they could get his records from Abbottsford well before his first appointment.

The reason for that was that his history wasn’t quite as routine as the average patient.

When he was 18 he was involved in a serious car accident that left the driver dead and he required major surgery on a smashed jaw, and fractures on his cheekbone and eye socket.

There were several orthopedic surgeries and another for orthodontic implants, so he was not a run of the mill patient.

 

On arriving at the surgery, he was informed that his appointment was with Practice Manager Amy Jellicoe, and the name was vaguely familiar, but he didn’t know why, so he sat down and grabbed the top magazine off the stack and turned the page, and it was a full-page advert for a healthy breakfast cereal, featuring a girl in her underwear.

Next page was an advert for toothpaste with a girl in skimpy nightie, the next page was a double page spread for mascara with several near naked girls in matching underwear.

He threw the magazine back down where he got it and sat back, and found himself trying to picture who Amy Jellicoe was, but found instead he was thinking about underwear models in skimpy dental nurse outfits.

His name was called after about ten minutes and he walked down the corridor and through the open door and was greeted by a very attractive woman exuding a very exotic perfume, and he again had the same vague sense of familiarity.

She had a pretty face, blue eyes, soft shoulder length brown hair, 5t 6 or 7, early thirties, nice figure, everything where it should be, and perfectly proportioned, with neat hips and a beautifully round derriere.

“Good morning Mr. Eaton” she said as she perused the form he had filled in the day before “Please take a seat”

“Morning” he replied as he sat “Thank you”

“So, I see you were previously a patient at Smithson’s in Abbottsford” “That’s right” he replied

“My first job after leaving school was at Smithson’s” she said and smiled before she continued to peruse his form and he was again struck with the feeling that he knew her, and that smile, and then he was distracted by the appearance of a little bit of pale pink bra strap, and a glimpse of lace edging inside her sweater, as she leant forward, and then his head was full of images of her in her scanties advertising dental floss.

In an effort to get his mind back on tackling where he knew her from he started thinking about cricket, that normally worked to purge his mind of lewd thoughts, but then it was women’s cricket and they were all naked save for their shoes, gloves, hats and pads, but then she came to his rescue, she had put the forms down and asked.

“Did you live in Abbottsford for long?”

“Erm, yes, born and raised” he replied “until I moved here”

“Oh” and then there was a long pause before she added

“But you didn’t always live at Pine Ridge” she stated

“No, I’m from….” He began

“Castleside?” She said and smiled broadly “You’re Stevie”

“I am…” he said hesitantly “and you’re little Amy”

“I haven’t been called “Little Amy” for a very long time”

“It was very apt at the time” he said “That or little sis but I seem to remember you didn’t like that”

“That was because I didn’t want to be you sister” she pointed out but instantly regretted her frankness and changed the subject

“I’m a bit confused by something, where did the Eaton come from?”

“It was after we moved away, which was because my parents were divorcing, and after the divorce my mum went back to her maiden name and changed mine at the same time”

“Was that before the accident?” she asked

“Yes, not long before though” he replied

“I heard you had been hurt, when I was in sixth form, but I didn’t know how badly” she said “I did try to find out more details, but I couldn’t be too pushy”

“In case your friends found out about your crush?” he asked

“Something like that” she admitted coyly and then resumed reading his notes and when she finished she said

“Well that all looks fine, do you have any discomfort from your jaw?”

“Occasionally in the cold weather” he replied “But mostly no”

“Sadly, that happens to us up here, you’ll have to get used to Pepperstock Winters if you’re going to stick around” she said and smiled

“Well, that is definitely my plan” he added

“I’m very happy to hear that” she said, and her cheeks flushed, and she shuffled her papers and added

“Well, that’s all good, if you go to reception they can now book you your first appointment”

“That’s great, thanks” he said as he got up to leave

“So, is that the official bit done now?”

“Yes, unless you have any questions” she said

“I do as it happens, in a manner of speaking” he replied

“Oh? To do with an appointment?”

“Again, in a manner of speaking” he replied enigmatically

“I don’t understand” she said

“Well, my question would be in regard to an appointment with you for dinner” he said

“Oh, I see, um well yes that would be very nice” she replied

“Obviously you will have to choose the where, and the when” he said “But anytime is good for me”

“The Kissing Angel in Pipershaven is very good” she suggested “And would tonight be too soon?”

“That would be perfect” Steve said

 

They were both feeling very pleased with themselves as her office door closed but Steve was a little more so, at his handling of the discourse and his taking advantage of the situation

“I couldn’t have written that any better” he thought to himself as he headed to reception with a spring in his step.

In the Village of Pepperstock Green – Chapter (059) – The Squeaky Mouse

February

 

Student Nurse Rosario Conceicao resided in a flat in Caxton Court which she shared with her older sister Sophie in Pepperstock Green.

She was 25 years old, four years younger than her sister, with short mousy hair, which was appropriate as she was a bit of a timid mouse, unlike Sophie who was a real “burning the candle at both ends” type of girl and was a “tox her socks off” kind of party girl, she was also taller and slimmer than her sister as Rosario was five foot two in her stocking feet, and possessed a fuller figure than she would have liked.

She worked at the Pepperstock and District Hospital in Pipershaven, and because she was a student she was being rotated through different department to gain as much practical experience as possible, and at the end of February she started a short stint in the pharmacy where she was to shadow one of the experienced Nurses, Margaret Beck, who was bold and brash and from the first moment she met mousy little Rosario she was determined to bring her out of herself.

“What do you want me to do first Margaret?”

“Well first of all you can call me Maggie, only my mum calls me Margaret, and only when I’m naughty.”

“Sorry”

“That’s ok, my advice to you is, be bright, be cheerful and be confident” Maggie said and opened the shutter to find a porter stood waiting.

“Morning Mark” Maggie said brightly and then realized he was not alone; there was someone else with him who had also caught Rosario’s attention.

“This is….” Mark began.

“Calum Paul” Rosario exclaimed.

She hadn’t seen Calum for five years, which was when her sister Sophie dumped him.

Rosario was heartbroken because she had it bad for him, but she was too timid to let him know.

“Rosario!” Calum said, “Wow it’s great to see you again.”

“For the benefit of those who haven’t met before.”

Mark said, “My new colleague Calum Paul, Nurse Maggie Beck.”

“Pleased to meet you” Calum said.

“Likewise,” she responded and shook his hand.

 

When they had finished for the morning they closed the shutter and made their way down the stairs to get some lunch to where the crowd formed into a queue.

“Rosario!” a voice called, and she recognized it immediately as it was like sweet music to her ears, so she stopped and turned to face Calum Paul.

“Yes” she squeaked.

“I was wondering if you might like to go to the St Patrick’s Day Party next month.”

“Me?” she asked in surprise.

“Yes, if you’re free” he said.

 

The conversation wasn’t really progressing as fast as Maggie would have liked as they were holding up the queue, so she interceded.

“Unlock your phone and give it to me” she instructed Calum.

“Um ok” he responded hesitantly but handed it over anyway because he thought she had the look of someone you didn’t say no to.

Maggie took the phone and handed it to Rosario.

“Put your number in there.”

Rosario said nothing but did as she was asked and handed it back, Maggie then gave the phone to Calum and said.

“Right now, you have her number, call her tonight, after 7.”

 

The queue began to move again, and Rosario gave Calum a wave as they moved forward.

“So, tell me all about Calum” Maggie demanded “Particularly why he makes your voice go squeaky.”

In the Village of Pepperstock Green – Chapter (058) – Coffee for Two

 February

 

Rich Beetlestone was a modest, well mannered, well-groomed and good-natured man, knocking loudly on the door of his fiftieth birthday.

Although he lived in Pepperstock Green, he owned and managed a coffee house in Pipershaven, a nice one, called Rich’s Roast, it was not one of the chains, in fact it was a very swanky establishment, with prices to match, which attracted the discerning punter and deterred the riff raff.

Rich was a single man, not that he was opposed to the idea of marriage, far from it, unfortunately the one he would gladly have made his wife was in fact already married, so he thought if he couldn’t have her, he was not prepared to settle for second best.

So, he remained unmarried and was content with his life, until the day the recently widowed Kelly Barnaby walked into his coffee shop and back into his life.

 

After her first “out of the blue” appearance in Rich’s Roast she became a regular and whenever she walked in, he would drop everything and spend as much time with her as possible.

However, on one occasion in February when she entered and beamed a smile at him, he was unable to leave his position behind the counter as he was short staffed due to a flu epidemic, unperturbed Kelly proclaimed.

“Not to worry, if Mohammed can’t come to the mountain, then the mountain must come to Mohammed” and then she gracefully climbed up onto one of the stools at the counter.

“Excellent, as soon as the cavalry arrive, we can go and sit somewhere more comfortable” he said although he liked her where she was as he had a wonderful view of her legs.

 

While Rich made her coffee, Kelly rummaged in her handbag and took out a flyer for the upcoming St Patrick’s Day Party at the Mablethorpe Spa Hotel and laid it on the counter.

“Ah it’s that time again already” he said gesturing towards the flyer.

“Are you going?”

“No” she said.

“Oh! Why not? I’d have thought it was your kind of thing.”

“It is yes” she replied, “and I do normally go.”

“But?”

“But I don’t want to go on my own” she replied, and he looked at her with puzzlement.

“Why not?” he asked, “You’re not exactly lacking in confidence.”

“I know I’m not” she replied and smiled.

This made her blush and avert her gaze, then after a few moments she looked back at him.

“And you won’t be among strangers either” he pointed out.

“I know, but when my husband was alive, he was an arm to hold on to and I didn’t need confidence” she said, “now I’m alone so it’s a case of no escort, no Party.”

“What about your brother, he’s unattached” Rich suggested.

“Well, he would do it if I asked him because he loves me, but I know he can’t abide crowds, and he thinks dancing is an abomination.”

“Ok I see how that might be a problem” he said, and they both laughed before she said. 

“I have had offers though.”

“I don’t doubt that for a moment” he said, “you are a catch.”

“You are too kind” Kelly said and bowed.

“So, who is in the running?” Rich asked.

“My sister’s new man Michael suggested his brother as an escort.”

“Really? I’ve met him” he said brightly “he’s very nice.”

“Yes” she agreed, “I like Michael.”

“Yes, so do I, but what I meant was that I’d met his brother, Steve” he responded.

“How do you know them?” she asked

“They’re regular customers” he replied, “and they’re nice guys.”

“That’s as maybe, but...” she began but left the sentence unfinished.

“But what?” he asked.

“I’m a bit old for blind dates” she replied, “And I haven’t been on a date of any kind for so many years.”

“Is that all that’s holding you back?” Rich asked.

“Well partly”

“So, what else is worrying you?”

“Well, I’m not sure I want a stranger knowing where I live” she admitted.

“Ok, if you don’t want him to pick you up at your house you could always go with Anna and Michael and meet Steve at the Hotel.”

She sat quietly for a few moments drinking her coffee and he judged that she was not altogether convinced by his argument and then a thought occurred to him, and he said.

“If you’re still not sure there is a very simple solution you know.”

“What’s that?” she asked vaguely.

“You could go with me instead” he said.

She didn’t speak but was considering the merits of his suggestion in silence, so he pressed on.

“I’m quite partial to Dancing, I can tolerate crowds, and I already know where you live.”

Again, there was silence until he added.

“So, what do you think?”

“I think No, if you’re only asking because you feel sorry for me?” she said.

“Of course, not” Rich recoiled.

“Really? So, you actually want to take me?” she asked, and he began to panic because the truth was that he thought of nothing else but being with her, but he had held back because he was unsure of his ground, but he was now in a catch 22 situation, so he walked around the counter and replied

“Yes, I do”

“Promise?” she asked.

“Promise”

“Very well you can pick me up at 7 o’clock” she said and slid effortlessly off the stool and then reached up and kissed his cheek.

And as she left the coffee house she smiled and said to herself.

“Well played Kelly, very well played indeed.”

In the Village of Pepperstock Green – Chapter (057) – Catch of the Day

February

 

In the small but thriving English county of Downshire people go about the tasks of their everyday existence in ways that range from the mundane to the extraordinary as their forebears had done for centuries before them.

Living in the varied and diverse landscape, from the ancient forests of Dancingdean and Pepperstock, the craggy ridges and manmade lakes of the Pepperstock Hills National Park, the rolling hills of the Downshire Downs, to the beautiful Finchbottom Vale and the short but beautiful coastline to the east.

But it is in Pepperstock Green where Paramedic Sophie Conceicao resided in a flat in Caxton Court that she shares with her younger sister Rosario.

She was 29 years old, four years older than her sister, with raven black hair, which was appropriate because she was wild like a gypsy.

The very epitome of a party girl, and what a party girl she had become, a real “burning the candle at both ends” type of girl and was a “tox her socks off” kind of party girl and was the complete opposite of her timid sister Rosario.

But after 12 years of high octane living, she was beginning to tire of it, and she had developed a bit of a crush on her new partner, Adam Smith, and no one was more surprised than her to discover it, because on the surface they were like chalk and cheese.

Adam was tall, sandy haired, polite, and quietly spoken, and she was feisty.

Despite that, however she still had a crush on him, and it began on the first day they met at the ambulance station.

“Adam” he said and held out his hand to shake, which she took, his handshake was firm, his handsome face was warm and open, and his voice was like honey on her ears, and she responded.

“Sophie”

The pair only released each other’s hands when a door slammed, and the moment was broken.

 

Despite her undoubted crush, she didn’t do anything about it for three months and when she did it almost happened by accident as they were returning to the station after a shout.

“What are you doing on your day off?” she asked.  

“Well, as we are fast approaching the end of the fishing season, and the weather is set fair, I’m going fishing” he replied.

“You’re going to waste your day off sitting on a riverbank” she said mockingly.

“Lake,” he corrected her.

“What?”

“I prefer Lakes to Rivers.”

“Ooooh Mr. pedantic” she teased, “It’s still a waste.”

Before he had a chance to respond, a call came over the radio, about a man who was found semi-conscious in the bin store of Stephenson’s Supermarket in Pipershaven.

 

Having been diverted to attend the call they received an update while on route, and the unconscious man was known to them and his name was Peter Laing, a long-time alcoholic.

“Oh no not stinky Pete” Sophie whined, and Adam laughed because it was her turn to take the lead, which meant she would be up close and personal.

“It’s not funny, it’s going to ruin my days off, I’m going to have that smell in my nostrils for two days” she continued which made him laugh even harder. 

“Please swap with me” she begged.

“Why would I want to do that?” Adam asked.

“Because you are the kindest person I know” she groveled.

“That’s true enough” he agreed.

“So, you’ll swap then?”

“No”

“Oh, please Adam” she begged “I’ll do anything.”

“Anything?”

“Yes anything” she agreed before adding “Within reason.”

After a few moments he said.

“I will do a deal with you.”

“What kind of deal?” she asked suspiciously.

“I will swap with you; on one condition” Adam said.

“What condition?”

“That I can take you fishing” he explained.

“Fishing?” she retorted.

“Yes, fishing”

“I would rather go to the pictures” Sophie responded, “How about dinner, or dancing maybe.”

“No, it’s stinky Pete or Fishing.”

“I’d rather go fishing” she said and sighed.

“So, we have a deal?”

“Yes, we have a deal” she said with resignation.

 

By the time they had dealt with the patient and delivered him to the Pepperstock and District Hospital their shift was at an end, so they returned to the station.

“Thank goodness that’s over” she said.

“So” Adam responded, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at seven.”

“Seven?” she said, “What! in the morning?”

“Yes of course in the morning” he asserted.

“Oh, ok what should I wear?” she asked unenthusiastically.

“It doesn’t matter you’ll look great whatever you wear” Adam replied, “But no heels.”

 

There were only three small bodies of water left in the Vale by the 21st Century, one in Mornington, one in Childean and the third of course was in Purplemere, and his favourite of the Mere’s was Purplemere, and that was often the one he would head for on his days off, and he always fished from his favourite pitch there.

But this time was special, so he decided to take Sophie up to one of the manmade lakes up in the Pepperstock National Park.

 

It was at the beginning of February, the day before Candlemas Day, which officially marked the end of Christmas, and it was an unseasonably mild sunny day, and they were sheltered from the wind in the former gravel pit.

He set up the folding chairs on a little peninsula where they could fish beneath the shade of a mature oak tree.

Once they had set up, Adam showed her the basic principle of casting and let her have a few practice casts before he said.

“Come and stand in front of me and look towards the water.”

Sophie did as she was told, and he stood behind her holding the rod in his right hand but before he could show her anymore, she turned around and kissed him and after a full minute she said.

“Look what I caught.”

In response Adam dropped his rod and wrapped his arms around her and returned her kiss.

In the Village of Pepperstock Green – Chapter (056) – The Escape

 January

 

After Craig Russell and Jade Kimberley left the Barnabus Manor Hotel the morning after the Burns Night Supper and escaped to Sharpington they spent the night in a caravan on the Potters Lane Caravan Park and the next day while eating breakfast in a greasy spoon café they arranged to meet Jade’s mother and stepfather at midday, by the entrance of the Sharpington Fun Park.

 

While “Bella Donna” and the chinless wonder were out of the Hotel Craig’s cousin Angus’ wife Sally, bluffed her way into Jade’s room and packed her an overnight bag, comprising mainly of the contents of her underwear draw, her jewelry box, a few items off her dressing table and of course her passport. 

Meanwhile Craig phoned to settle his bill and Angus collected his things from Clifford, the concierge.

 

The park was closed as it was out of season but the arcades on the prom were open and a few gift shops.

Jade went into one of the arcades but remained out of sight and kept her mother and stepfather in view while Russell waited at the entrance of the pier and he kept looking at his watch and was beginning to get anxious and then the phone rang.

“Hello!” he said.

“Mission accomplished” Angus said.

“Really?” he said.

“Yes” Angus confirmed, “Now get your ass over to Pipershaven.”

“Ok, see you soon” he said and hung up.

He crossed the road and went to find Jade, which wasn’t difficult as she was a rubbish spy, he found her wearing a kiss me quick hat and hiding in the arcade.

The hat was superfluous to her disguise because she was wearing uncharacteristically garish colours, and her hair was in pigtails so they would never have recognized her.

She was staring out of the window and giggling, as she watched her mother and stepfather arguing. 

Craig crept up behind her and goosed her and she let out a yelp, so loud there was a very real danger her quarry may have heard so he took her hand, and they ran for the caravan park as if the devil was on their heels and loaded up the car.

 

They parked up in the ferry port car park and met up with Angus and Sally and when hugs and handshakes had been shared, he said.

“We will never forget this.”

“It’s a pleasure” Sally said, “I was beginning to think you would never fall in love.”

“Well, it’s happened,” he admitted.

“You didn’t tell me that” Jade said and punched him playfully.

“It’s been a busy day” he said feebly and kissed her.

“Here are your bags” Angus said, “Now get a move on.”

They said their goodbyes before they got on the Expressway and drove towards London.

 

On the way they stopped at his flat in Northchapel where he packed a suitcase and once in London, they stopped at his Newspaper and submitted his Russian article before Jade took him to the family home in Mayfair and they spent the night there, making love in her mother’s bed.

Early next morning Jade packed a suitcase of her own and he drove to Heathrow.

Craig parked his car in the short stay car park from where Angus would collect it later.

But plans changed after they walked into the terminal only to discover Bella Donna and Max patrolling the concourse so they turned tail and returned to the car, thankfully unseen, and after a few minutes had an alternative plan and drove back down the Expressway to Pipershaven where they got on the first ferry to France and after driving to Paris they took a plane to New York and his next assignment on American Football.

 

Over the next few years, they got to travel all around America, moving from motel to motel, watching all kinds of sport, it wasn’t the kind of accommodation she was used to but if she was unhappy about it, she never mentioned it or complained about it, in truth she loved it.

Her knowledge of sport was quite astounding, and not for a woman either, and apart from the fact he was in love with her she was also invaluable to him as an editor, a critic and a sounding board.

She also managed their finances and kept them solvent.

Their American journey came to an end after 3 years culminating with the Super Bowl where he proposed to Jade.

 

On the back of their work in America he was offered a job with the New York Times to cover whatever sports he wanted, and they continued to travel, but he insisted on giving her a writing credit.

They did, however, return to Downshire and they got married while they were there, with Angus and Sally in attendance obviously and they spent their wedding night at the Barnabus Manor Hotel.

Bella Donna was invited but she declined, she never forgave her daughter for disobeying her wishes and Jade never forgave her mother for not being at her daughter’s wedding.

 

Over the years Jade travelled with him around the world from event to event, World Cups, Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Rugby, Cricket, Ice Hockey, Field Hockey and Horse Racing and he never lost interest in her underthing’s.

In the Village of Pepperstock Green – Chapter (055) – The Continuing Dirty Weekend

 January

 

After dining braless in the hotel restaurant on Friday evening and turning more than a few heads, in a good way, Adeline Coates felt comfortable enough to do it again at breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between for the rest of the weekend, much to the delight of Rupert Chandler.

 

They checked out after breakfast on Sunday morning and left the Hotel and as they drove out of the car park and set off towards Finchbottom, Rupert silently reflected on how often, on their dirty weekend, he had found himself referring to him and Adeline as “us” and concluded that it was significant.

 

Once they were underway, he fully expected the car’s rhythmic motion would soon lull her off to sleep, after her vigorous weekend.

When he looked at her lovely face, while she sat beside him, he wondered if it was possible that she was falling in love with him, but he decided she was probably not, though he knew he had easily fallen in love with her, but he decided not to say the words because of their commitments, if not their hearts, were elsewhere.

 

He managed to park right next to her car in the Hummingbird car park, but they didn’t go off straight away as she wanted to go into Silk and Lace and exchange her inadequately fitting bras.

Rupert sat outside a café drinking coffee while she went into the shop, she was taking no chances this time and was going to try them all on in the shop.

He offered to go in with her to help her tuck her breasts into their cups, but she declined his offer saying.

“You wouldn’t be helping me; you would be helping yourself.”

“The cheek of some people” he thought as he stared at both of her pert examples shimmying inside her jeans as she walked away.

 

When she returned a little short of an hour later, she was looking almost as pleased with herself as she did when she walked braless into the Hotel restaurant, two nights running.

“You look very pleased with yourself, have you gone commando?” He asked unhelpfully.

 “No” she said indignantly and sat down at the table next to him.

Rupert caught the eye of the waiter and ordered two coffees.

“Did you change your bras?”

“Yes” she said, “and I bought some treats.”

“What kind of treats?” he asked intrigued.

“Fishnet stockings, for one thing” she replied, “for next time.”

 

They prepared to say goodbye next to her car in the car park she said.

“Thanks darling, for making it such an enjoyable time, it was wonderful.”

“My pleasure” He responded.

“And mine” Adeline said blushing, then a moment later she continued.

“I probably enjoyed it a little more than I should have I think.”

He wasn’t sure if she was referring to the overindulgence or the sex, or something else.

“It wasn’t just a dirty weekend for me” she clarified “it was special.”

“For me too” he said, and she kissed him.

In the Village of Pepperstock Green – Chapter (054) – The Burns Weekend

 January

 

The day after Craig Russell and Jade Kimberley attended a dinner party in Quarry Hill with his cousin Angus and family, it was the day of the Burns Night Supper and Craig invited Jade to attend as his plus one and as her mother and stepfather were dining with the Lord Lieutenant of the County she accepted.   

However, after breakfast, he was summoned to Bella’s suite, which he politely declined as he had a full day with the Russell Clan who arrived in a steady stream all day.

 

After the Burns Night Supper, Craig took Jade back to his room again and kept her in his bed until the next morning.

Then after breakfast, he was summoned once again to Bella’s suite, and he was of a mind to disappoint her again and told Jade as much but to his surprise she urged him to meet her.

 

He knocked on the door and after a moment it was opened by the sycophant who, with typical aristocratic arrogance, silently looked him up and down.

“I was summoned,” he said, and he stepped aside to let him in.

Bella Donna was seated at her desk with her back to him and without turning around she said brusquely.

“You may sit.”

“You’re too kind” he said factiously.

“You’ll do well not to adopt an attitude with me Mr. Russell.”

She said still with her back to him.

“I don’t think I need a lesson in manners from someone who doesn’t even have the courtesy to look at the person they are addressing” he said annoyed at himself for losing his temper, but it did have the desired effect as she turned around to face him.

“I am superior to you in every conceivable way Mr. Russell and I therefore have no need to show you anything other than contempt” she said. 

“Is that the only reason you summoned me? To tell me how superior you are” he said and stood up.

“I summoned you to tell you to stay away from my daughter,” she said without expression.

“Well, you’ve told me,” he said and walked towards the door.

“Don’t go without what you came here for,” she said.

“This should satisfy you” she added and held out a cheque which he took from her, and she smiled an ugly grimace, then he tore it up and threw the pieces at her.

“That was my only offer,” she said, “and you’ll never see a penny of Jade’s money.”

“I’m not interested in your daughter’s money” he said angrily “I work for a living, and I have my own money.”

He left the room slamming the door behind him; he was so angry that he stormed out of the Hotel and was gone for an hour.

When he returned, Craig found Jade waiting anxiously in reception and it was apparent she had been crying and she was on the verge of crying again, so he took her in his arms. 

When they saw her mother exit the lift and start walking towards them, they ran out of the door and jumped into his car. 

They drove for about an hour before parking on the promenade and then spent an hour in Bizzoni’s Ice Cream Parlour and made their plans for the future.

 

These plans involved, to a large degree, his cousin Angus and his wife Sally.

They had decided not to return to the Hotel, but he needed to check out of the Hotel and Jade needed some of her clothes and some items of sentimental value.