(Part One)
Police Constable Phillippa Mead sat in the Police canteen drinking a coffee and brushing sugar off her uniform trousers and was blissfully unaware that at that precise moment decisions that would change her life forever were being made.
Chief inspector Bill Overend was a great bear of a man but such was his benign disposition you might be confused into thinking he was more of an overstuffed teddy bear, but you would be mistaken, his wits were as sharp as a knife and as a result he was a good copper and he commanded great respect from colleagues and villains alike.
On this particular morning he was on his way to see the Chief Superintendent to discuss replacements.
His squad was already one man down, Chris Blenkin, who was on long term sick leave and was not going to return and another officer, Jenny Hack, who was about to go on maternity leave, so as he entered George Tiplady’s office he did so with some optimism.
Phillippa, or as she preferred Pippa, was to the untrained eye a rather plain almost emaciated looking girl, stick thin with straight shoulder length blonde hair and as she never wore make up at work she looked five years older than the twenty-six she actually was.
Off duty she was a bit of a tomboy and wore quite masculine looking clothes leading some to suppose her to be a lesbian.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
Even though her features were plain there was something about her that shone through from within, now whether it was her eyes which were the most stunning green or a smile that could melt the hardest heart its difficult to know but, as a result she was never short of a date.
She was a single girl and content to be so for now as she had not yet met the right person but she was in no hurry.
There was no one special in her life at present.
She drained her coffee and made her way to the muster room for the duty briefing.
Overend left the Chief Superintendents office after a less than satisfactory meeting; he did get two out of the three replacements, but not the ones he wanted.
Due to political pressure from above to change the profile of the police he had been lumbered with two officers being fast tracked which meant that they ticked the Home Office boxes but had no experience and were worse than bloody useless.
It had been his wish to promote three PCs up from the ranks from his own station to CID, Pippa Mead among them but it appeared that was not to be, for now at least.
He was not the only one in Abbottsford to have had a disappointing outcome Pippa spend her entire shift being the public face of British policing without actually managing to impact crime in any way shape or form but it wasn’t always like that.
As luck would have it that night the criminal fraternity were very active in the Abbottsford police district and as the new officers were not due for another four weeks Bill Overend got the three officers he wanted if only on a temporary basis but if he could clear these cases before the new appointees arrived he would have a strong case for keeping the officers he wanted and the fast tracks could go and tick boxes on someone else’s relief.
The next morning Pippa, and PCs, Webster and Griffin were instructed they had been seconded to CID for a prolonged period.
This came as a complete surprise to Pippa, who, despite having done several spells in CID in the past, was not aware of having made any significant kind of impact that would merit an extended duty in CID, but all that said she was delighted.
Chief inspector Overend was feeling a little smug at his getting his own way even if it might turn out to be short term.
The first order of the day was to place the temporary DC’s to individual teams and then assign those teams to the growing list of cases, which Overend was anxious to make inroads into.
(Part Two)
Pippa's day just kept getting better, as she was added to Detective Sgt Tilly Donnally’s team, Donnally was someone she admired very much, if a little scary, she was a fiery thirty-two year old red head, who led by example and relied heavily on her instincts, which rarely failed her.
Then she was paired with Detective Constable James Pidd who was a quiet unassuming thirty something man, a very calm and very capable detective not a leader but blessed with a very analytical mind.
But despite his unassuming nature, to everyone’s surprise, including his own, he found himself engaged to Theresa Bennington who was the Granddaughter of the Lord Lieutenant of the county, though such is the nature of the man he was not the sort to use his social position to benefit his career.
“Jimmy and Pippa,” Overend said pausing briefly to consult his notes,
“Clifford’s Biscuits were turned over last night, the owner is on site and is probably not a happy cookie.”
“On our way sir.” Said DC Pidd completely missing the joke, as did Pippa who was already halfway to the door.
Jimmy Pidd and Pip Mead had worked together on many occasions in the past and they got on very well.
Also they complimented each other, he with his analytical mind and she with her razor sharp instinct and hard graft.
The only bone of contention between them was the driving.
They both hated to drive, this was very unusual, as normally partners fight over who gets the keys.
They had tried a number of ways in the past to determine who got lumbered with the driving such as, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Arm wrestling or tossing a coin but they never worked as they both had a propensity to cheat.
So they decided the fairest way was for one of them to drive there and the other would drive on the return journey.
On that particular Jimmy Pidd was driving first.
And for Jimmy there was only one thing he hated more than driving and that was driving in the rain.
And it was raining.
At least Clifford’s was in Abbottsford’s only about three miles from the station.
Clifford’s biscuits, was an old family business established in 1879 by Robert Sebastian Clifford and was currently run by his Great-Great Grandson Donald.
The company had moved to there present location in Abbottsford’s in 1928.
The two DC’s presented their warrant cards to the Olympic security guard and were waved through the main gate and directed to the reception.
The broad white building was a great example of the art deco style with its angles, curves and symmetry.
DC Pidd got out of the car and paused for a moment, despite the rain, in appreciation of the stylish building.
“What a great building.” Said Jimmy.
“Yes it’s very…. white.” Said DC Mead running towards the building.
“Is that all you can find to say about this magnificent structure?”
Said a stunned
“This wonderful example of Art Deco architecture?”
She stopped running, then took a moment to study the façade then said.
“Yes, I stand by my original statement, it’s definitely white”
“You’re a philistine Pip.” Pidd said running after her.
(Part Three)
Pidd and Mead walked into the reception of Clifford’s Biscuits and were greeted by a middle aged balding man in a smart suit.
“Good morning.” He said offering his hand. “Peter Frecknell assistant manager”
“Good morning sir, I’m DC Pidd.” Jimmy said shaking the offered hand.
“And this is DC Mead.” He said gesturing toward Phillippa.
“Sir.” She said also shaking hands.
“Would you like to see the scene of the crime now?” He said relishing the change of routine.
“Afterwards I will take you through to the conference room Mr. Clifford would like meet you before you leave.” And he turned and led them up the stairs.
After Pidd and Mead had been shown the suspected point of entry and Mr. Frecknell had given them a tour of the offices, which were in good order save for the power leads and data cables trailing to and from non-existent PC’s, Printers, and Scanners etc.
The factory operated Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week but the main offices were seldom used after six PM.
They were then covered by CCTV and monitored from the security building located by the main gate.
The offices were patrolled on foot every two hours through the night from eight PM to Eight AM.
The burglary occurred between six and eight. The intruders managed to bypass the alarm system and they were somehow able to override the CCTV feeding back the recorded images to security while they stripped the place bare.
They interviewed staff but no one remembered seeing anything out of the ordinary.
Then they were shown into the conference room to meet Donald Clifford.
Walking into the long grandly decorated room with a huge twenty-four foot long mahogany topped conference table they saw an immaculately dressed man of sixty standing at the far end.
“Good morning, officers.” He said walking towards them.
He was wearing a high quality hand made suit and expensive Italian shoes. His hand made silk tie probably cost more than Mead’s entire ensemble.
“Mr. Clifford?” Jimmy asked.
“Goodness me no.” He said with a hint of a smile. “My name is Tyler-Moore, Marcus Tyler-Moore.”
“He’s our financial Director.” Mr. Frecknell elaborated.
“I’m DC Pidd and this is DC Mead.”
He shook hands with them both.
The door opened behind them and a tall, lean shabbily dressed man in his early thirties entered.
He had what looked like a necktie hanging from his trouser pocket and his shirt was un-tucked.
What must once have been a clean white shirt was now smeared with grease and dirt.
His sleeves were rolled up exposing his skinny white arms, also smeared with dirt and his trousers were dirty and torn.
He was wiping dirt off his hands with a monogrammed handkerchief.
“I’m sorry I’ve kept you waiting.” He said politely. “A problem with one of the machines.”
“Don! We have maintenance people to do that.” Marcus said in a fatherly way.
“He can’t help interfering.” Marcus said addressing the two officers. “He forgets it’s his company sometimes.”
“I know Marcus but I like to help.”
He inspected his right hand briefly and offered it to Jimmy Pidd to shake.
“Don Clifford.” He said.
“DC Pidd.” Jimmy said. “And this is DC Me…”
“Phillippa.” She interrupted. “Mead.”
“What a lovely name.” Don said taking her hand and gazing at her.
“The lover of horses and a sweet honey brew”
Phillippa held his gaze and his hand for longer than necessary.
“Coffee?” Marcus broke the spell.
Don and Phillippa broke away with a little embarrassment and they both blushed.
“Yes a good idea.” Don Clifford answered.
“Or tea if you would prefer?” Looking at Pip again.
“Please sit down,” He offered with a sweeping Gesture.
“Tea would be very nice thank you Mr. Clifford.” Phillippa said almost coyly.
“Please call me Don.”
“Ok Don.” She said and giggled.
(Part Four)
As they sat in the boardroom after having been offered refreshments, Jimmy was somewhat amazed as he had never seen this side of Pippa before she was being “feminine” and he’d never heard her giggle before. Either.
He looked at Marcus who shrugged this was obviously new behaviour for Mr Clifford as well.
“Coffee for me please.” Jimmy said as he sat in the closest chair.
Marcus nodded in Peter Frecknell’s direction and he slipped out through the door almost unnoticed.
After a few minutes he returned, holding open the door while an over weight middle aged woman in a type of uniform and apron pushed a trolley loaded with crockery, tea and coffee pots, milk jug, sugar bowl and a plate of biscuits.
“Thank you Doreen.” Marcus said as she unloaded the trays onto a side table.
“Sir.” She turned and left.
While they drank Jimmy filled them in about bypassing the alarm system and that they managed to override the CCTV and miraculously managed to leave through the main gate right under the nose of Olympic security.
He directed most of his comments to Marcus Tyler-Moore as Mr Clifford’s eyes were continuously being drawn towards Pip and hers to him.
He went on to explain that Scene of Crime officers would be on site soon though he was not hopeful that that would turn up anything as this was a very professional job.
“If you could provide us with a full inventory of the stolen items as soon as convenient we can have it circulated.” Jimmy said. “And we will be able to give you a crime number for the insurance.”
“Thank you Constable Pidd.” Marcus said.
Jimmy stood up.
“Yes thank you.” Don Clifford tore his attention away from Pip and stood up proffering his hand.
“And thank you also Detective Constable Mead.”
“Yes thank you Phillippa.” Don said taking her hand again.
“I think the officers need to be going now Don.” Marcus said slapping Donald firmly on the back.
He reluctantly let go of Pippa’s hand and they both blushed again.
“You can contact me on this number when you have the list.” Jimmy handed a business card to Marcus.
Pippa handed her card to Donald and to Jimmy’s amazement she giggled again.
Philippa and Jimmy didn’t say a word on the short walk back to the car.
But when she walked to the passenger side Jimmy broke the silence.
“Oy Dolly daydream.” He shouted. “Your driving remember”
She jumped. “Sorry Jimmy I was miles away.”
“I know where you were and who you were with.”
Then she blushed deep red.
(Part Five)
Bill Overend was pleased with the general progress being made on all the major enquires and was still quietly confident that his expectations of a timely result before the two new staff members would be foisted upon him.
Jimmy and Pip were exploring the possible involvement of the Security company in the Clifford’s robbery as they have been the common denominator in a series of break ins and for several days had been wading through piles of documents from Olympic Security searching for any patterns that might appear.
Although she was enjoying her time in CID Pippa had spent the last two weeks slightly depressed and more than a little bewildered.
She had been awaiting, no expecting, a phone call, from Donald Clifford, she was convinced that they had hit it off, or connected or something and she just couldn’t understand why he hadn’t rang.
This was new territory for Pippa because normally she was not short of admirers though not in anyway inundated, most of whom she felt complete indifference towards.
She was not used to wanting someone to call her and to have someone she was attracted to, fancied even, not to call her.
It was something of a novelty, which she was neither accustomed to nor would wish to become accustomed to.
She had even committed the cardinal sin, something she had never ever considered, had never needed to consider, she had called his office, not once, nor twice but three times.
She was told on all three occasions that he was not available.
Not available! Bloody cheek.
Pippa was a bit of party girl and very good company and she was popular with a large circle of friends but she hadn’t enjoyed herself since she met that bloody biscuit man.
She hadn’t been out at all for the last week.
Bloody, Bloody man.
As another week drew to its conclusion Pippa Mead continued to discharge her duties in a state of anxious bewilderment.
He still hadn’t called.
What was wrong with the man?
How could she have got it so wrong?
After all she thought he was besotted with her he really seemed to be, she was now beginning to think it was merely conceit on her part, to assume that he liked her.
Pippa was certainly besotted with him and that had never happened before, and she wasn’t sure she liked it at all.
She had even taken the unprecedented step of actually going to the factory, on the pretext of furthering police enquires, but in reality to see Donald Clifford only to be told he was not available.
She had never ever been treated so shabbily she thought to herself indignantly and then she chastised herself because she realized she was being given a taste of her own medicine.
Should she talk to someone?
Yes, but whom?
Tilly? No far too scary, Gracie possibly, no Jenny, she would talk to Jenny.
(Part Six)
Bill Overend and his opposite number John Holt, who was the Uniform Inspector were having a drink at the “George” this was by way of an olive branch as John Holt wanted his PC’s back and Bill didn’t want to give them back.
They were good friends and had been for years and it would take a lot more than poaching a few PC’s to drive a wedge between them but they both enjoyed playing the part.
While the two Inspectors were sparring in the pub over her future Pippa Mead was anxiously stalking Jenny Hack through the busy market day streets of Abbottsford.
She had tried several times to approach Jenny at the station but she was frustrated by the constant interruptions, either by someone else butting in or by the telephone ringing.
She even tried to catch her in the car park, as she was leaving for lunch, but Superintendent Tiplady got to her first.
So she was reduced to stalking her like a criminal.
Pippa had followed her to every baby shop in town and then to several chemist shops.
By the time Jenny reached the market stalls Pippa was desperate even though she had no idea what she would say.
When Jenny stopped at a green grocer’s stall Pippa seized her chance, she waited until Jenny had paid for her fruit and veg and made her move.
“Hi Jenny. Can I help with your bags you look a bit over loaded?”
“Hi. Thanks Pip. I have over done it a bit. It’s a good job I’ve finished.”
Pippa took a few of the heavier bags from her.
“Are you heading back to the car now?” Pip asked.
“Have you finished your shopping?”
“What? Oh yes I didn’t really need anything.”
They began walking towards the car park.
“It was lucky you ran into me I’m not sure I would have made it back to the car on my own.”
Jenny had been aware of Pippa in the office and suspected she was trying to talk to her.
She had even noticed her around town a couple times and looking at her pensive expression she suddenly realized this was not a chance meeting.
The conversation was pretty much one sided for the rest of the five minute walk with Jenny doing the majority of the talking.
When they arrived at the car park they loaded the bags into Jenny’s boot.
After a glance in Pippa’s direction and noticing the pensiveness had not left her face she said.
“Do you know what I could do with?”
Pippa shook her head.
“A cup of coffee.” She answered. “There’s a café over the road. Do you fancy one?”
“Yes. I’d love one.” Pippa replied and visibly brightened.
Once they were settled at a table Pippa sat fiddling with a napkin and trying to think of what to say and Jenny stirred her coffee while she looked on, while Pippa tortured herself, and smiled to herself.
Finally Jenny could stand it no longer.
“So what’s on your mind Pip?”
“Eh?” She had an expression on her face like a rabbit caught in the headlights of an approaching car.
“Something’s bothering you, what is it?”
Pippa took a deep breath.
“Oh Jenny, I’ve been dying to talk to someone.” She blurted out
“But I feel so silly and I don’t know where to start.”
“At the beginning is a good place.” Jenny said simply.
“Well you know Jimmy and me went to that break in at Clifford’s, a month ago?”
Jenny nodded and sipped her coffee.
“Well we finished up in the conference room and we met.”
“Donald Clifford.” Jenny interrupted.
“Yes. How did you know?” asked Pip.
“Jimmy told me. He said you were smitten.” Jenny smiled broadly.
“Jimmy?”
“Yes. Jimmy said he was a nice guy. So what’s the problem?”
“He hasn’t called me. That’s the problem. I gave him my card and he hasn’t called.”
“You did throw away all of those misprinted cards you had? Didn’t you? The one’s with the ACC’s phone number on.”
“Oh God I hadn’t thought of that.” Pippa was horrified.
“Have you called him?”
“Yes several times, I even went there to see him but I was told he wasn’t available.”
“I can’t believe he wouldn’t see you or speak to you if he was there. He seemed too nice for that.” Jenny said finishing her coffee.
“Have you met him then?” Pippa asked urgently.
“Not to talk to. He was at the front desk one day talking to Sgt. Frank.” Jenny replied. “I assumed it was something to do with the case.”
“I didn’t get a message.” Pippa said with alarm
“That doesn’t mean that he didn’t leave one you know what George Frank’s like.”
(Part Seven)
Pippa, the moment she returned to the station, went directly to reception in search of Sergeant George Frank.
She found him in a form of conversation with PC Deacon, which involved Deacon uttering a few words and Sgt. Frank ranting his response. His ranting's could last for up to ten minutes depending on the subject.
The reason for this was simple George Frank was a miserable old pain in the ass who hated his job and tried to ensure everyone else did as well.
“I took my girl friend to the London Eye on Saturday.” Deacon began.
“The what?”
“The London Eye Sarge, at Greenwich.”
“Oh the big wheel. I never go to London it’s a cesspit.”
“But the view is fantastic.” Deacon enthused.
“A toilet is still a toilet Deacon irrespective of the angle from which it is viewed.”
“But you can see for miles.” Deacon further enthused
“A sewer is still a sewer.” Frank reitterated
“Sarge?” Pippa stopped him in mid rant. “Have you got a minute?”
“What is it Mead?” He barked.
“I’m working on the Clifford’s robbery case.”
“So?”
“I’ve have been trying to get in touch with Mr. Clifford at the factory and I was told he came here to the station about a month ago and spoke to you.”
“And?”
“Did he leave a message?” Asked Pippa.
“I don’t know. It’s busy down here you know a lot happens in a month.”
“Could you check Sarge?” She asked. “It’s very important.”
He sighed heavily and put his glasses on and began moving papers around and looking under things and all the time he was muttering under his breath.
Then he began on the shelf under the counter and after a great deal of huffing and puffing he brought out an item and put it on the counter.
The object had a square wooden plinth at the base through which a six-inch spike was attached.
Impaled on the spike were pieces of paper of different shapes and sizes.
He fumbled through the pieces of paper still muttering beneath his breath until he suddenly exclaimed
“Ah ha.”
He pulled off a wad of papers from the top and the removed an item and replaced the wad back on the spike.
He then replaced the spike under the counter where he found it.
“There.” He said thrusting an envelope in her direction.
“Now perhaps I can get back to work?”
“Thanks Sarge.” Pippa said rushing out the door.
(Part Eight)
Pippa ran up the stairs and straight into the ladies toilets.
When she got inside she checked she was quite alone and then chose a cubicle and sat down.
She sat for what seemed like an hour, although it was only a few minutes in reality, staring at the envelope.
It was simply addressed to DC Mead.
What if it was a list of the stolen goods or a thank you for a prompt and professional response or a copy of the insurance claim or maybe a donation to the Police officers benevolent fund?
She steeled herself and ripped open the envelope.
Inside, folded in half, was a sheet of A5, expensive, notepaper.
She took a deep breath and chastised herself for behaving like a silly schoolgirl and unfolded the sheet of notepaper.
On the paper was a short hand written note in very neat style of handwriting.
And she read:
Detective Constable Mead, Phillippa.
I have to apologize for contacting you in this rather forward manner, but I have been trying to speak with you for the last few days and I have tried several times to phone you on the mobile number you provided.
This was, however, to no avail as all I managed to get was a rather rude and abusive gentleman whose comments I could not bring myself to commit to paper.
I understand from the Sergeant on reception that you are out of the office following enquiries so I am leaving this note.
I have unfortunately now been called away on family business and will out of the country for the next few weeks.
The reason I have been so anxious to contact you is that I would very much like to take you to dinner, which will now have to be on my return.
I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope very much that you will honor me with your company.
My very best regards.
Donald
At the bottom of the page, also in his very neat hand, were two phone numbers and an email address.
She was up on her feet out of the cubicle and dancing when the door opened and Jenny Hack waddled in.
Pip raced over and hugged Jenny.
“It’s good news then?” Jenny guessed.
“Yes, yes.” Was all she could manage.
“Don’t hug to tight I need a wee.” Jenny said
Pippa Mead was feeling much happier with the world.
Not only had she, if belatedly, received, and read, the letter from Donald Clifford but she and Jimmy had made a major break through on the case.
She was on top of the world.
There was a farewell party for Jenny, who was going on maternity leave, at the “George” and right at the end she managed to corner Jenny in just as she was leaving, she was with her friend Lizzie but that was the closest to being alone she had been all day so she took her chance.
“This is a little something to say thanks for your help with ... well you know what.”
Jenny beamed a tearful smile and Lizzie looked puzzled.
“Thanks Pip, that’s really sweet”
(Part Nine)
It was now three days since Pippa had received, and read, the letter and it was also three days since she had begun trying to contact him on the two phone numbers and the email address he had included in the letter.
Donald kept two mobile phones, one for business and one for private use.
When she dialed the mobile phone numbers all she got was the answer phone, so she left message after message after message.
When that failed she emailed, several times, but to no avail.
During those three days she had gone through every emotion between elation and black despair.
Doubting the evidence contained in the letter, which had led her to believe his interest in her was more than professional.
She even doubted his motives for wanting to dine with her.
The family business of which he wrote in his letter was obviously a fabrication and he was merely playing some kind of sadistic game with her.
But she played her part in the game by phoning and emailing at regular intervals.
She had even called Marcus Tyler-Moore, the Clifford family solicitor.
He told her the last time he spoke with Donald he was in transit to Australia but that had been over two weeks ago and he had heard nothing since.
Then she began to wonder if he had been killed and was that the reason nobody could reach him?
Or maybe he was lying in a coma somewhere in a filthy foreign hospital.
Then this morning she awoke early, around four o’clock, and switched on her PC to check her emails.
While the PC was booting she went to the kitchen and made herself a hot drink.
Then she wandered back to the PC and sat silently as she logged on and she expected to find her mailbox empty as usual.
She was right it was empty but for two piece’s of junk mail.
One was from the financial sector wanting to loan her money and the second, as if to add insult on to injury, was an invitation to join a singles club.
Then she cursed herself for abandoning her carefree existence and allowing herself to be diverted.
She had never sought a soul mate or a life partner she had an abundance of friends with whom she had fun.
This was not fun.
What her friends must be thinking of her she could hardly imagine.
All she could do was put this past month down as a temporary aberration.
She would tell her friends she had been unwell but she was much better now.
Pip reached out and picked up her address book and flicked through.
It was time to put all this love nonsense behind her, it was not for her, and now she had to get on with her life.
Finishing her tea she returned to the kitchen and poured herself another mug.
Returning to the PC she reached out to switch off.
Ping!
She had mail.
What this time, free books, Jesus saves, stripper’s r us or a lonely-hearts site.
She reached out again to hit the off switch.
But what if?
No! I’m not going there again, she thought to herself.
But what if?
No! I’ve made my decision, it’s over, and I’m cured.
She hesitated, her hand poised over the power switch.
“Shit!” She muttered as she sat down.
She opened her mailbox all the time cursing herself for weakening.
There was a new email from an address she didn’t recognize and she moved it to trash without opening it.
“Why do I do this to myself?” She said to herself walking towards the bathroom.
“Why didn’t I just trust my own judgment in the first place?”
She stopped suddenly.
“AU!” she shouted, “It ended AU.”
She ran back to the PC.
Quickly sitting down she recovered the email from the trash.
Pippa took a deep breath and opened the mail.
It was from Donald.
As she eagerly read the mail all her doubts and fears dissolved away.
Donald was indeed in Australia and he had had a series of misadventures.
Firstly he dropped his business mobile in the departure lounge at Heathrow Airport and then on arrival in Sydney he had the bag containing his laptop stolen.
But it was only when he tried to use his second mobile phone to report the theft that he realized it was also in the bag with his laptop.
So that was why Pippa had been unable to contact him.
The reason for his protracted visit was that he had been named as executor to his recently deceased Uncle’s estate and he had been attempting to settle his Uncle’s many interest’s, for example the last sixteen days had been spent on a remote sheep station.
He was now back in Sydney staying at the home of a close friend and was availing himself of his friend’s computer.
He still had a few lose ends to tie up but he was hoping to be back in England by the end of the following week.
Pippa was overjoyed.
She replied to the mail immediately and was rewarded a few minutes later with a reply of her own.
This continued for the next two hour’s until she glanced at the clock and reluctantly dragged herself away to get ready for work.
(Part Ten)
Pip spent much of a bright spring Saturday in her flat dressed in “Sloppy Joes” and glued to her computer trading emails with Donald Clifford in Australia.
The general content of their correspondence was first date stuff finding out each other’s likes and dislikes their backgrounds and their aspirations.
This was interspersed with outrageous flirtation and even a degree of lovemaking.
This was a new experience certainly for her and she hoped for him also.
She had not had Internet sex before.
It was nice.
Even so she couldn’t wait for him to come home.
A week later Pippa Mead’s slender frame trembled as she looked up at the board to see that flight BA145 from Sydney had landed.
She had arrived at the airport two hours before the flight was due and then the flight was delayed a further ninety minutes.
She had spent a sleepless night and even spending two hours getting ready hadn’t eaten into the time as much as she thought it would so she decided she might as well waist the time at the airport rather than at home.
Big mistake.
She had thought that there would be more distractions at a busy international airport and the time would not hang so heavy.
The problem with this theory was that almost everywhere you look at an airport you find a clock or time display.
She had bought magazines, she tried reading a book, and she drank endless cups of coffee and made endless visits to the toilets.
Pippa felt as thought she had been at the damned airport for days.
Now the plane had landed and she was trembling.
Pippa turned on her heels and rushed to the nearest toilets.
After emptying her bladder for the umpteenth time she stood in front of the mirror and surveyed her reflection.
She was, by her own admission, a rather stick thin plain looking girl with, two redeeming features, the most stunning eyes and good legs.
As she stood before the mirror she combed her straight shoulder length blonde hair and then touched up her makeup.
She had discarded her normally masculine looking clothes, which led many people to suppose her to be a lesbian.
Instead she wore a short floral dress, showing off her legs, she liked her legs.
She turned side on to admire herself in the mirror then she stood on her tiptoes to get a better look at her legs, she nodded to her self, shame I don’t have a bum though she thought to her self.
Having viewed herself from every possible angle she gave herself a quick spray of perfume and put her things away in her bag.
Stopping briefly for one last look in the mirror she said out loud.
“I scrub up very nicely.”
Then she nodded and made her way back to the arrival hall.
As Pippa reached the arrival gate the first of the passengers were beginning to dribble through.
Then as more and more streamed through the gate she began to panic what if he doesn’t recognize me now I’m not dressed like a lesbian, what if I don’t recognize him.
When she calmed herself down she thought “I hope this blokes worth all this, my life’s been a complete disaster since the moment we first met”.
She need not have worried, the moment she saw him she knew him, and it was not the shabbily dressed man she had first met.
But the tall, lean thirty something that entered the concourse was unmistakable Donald Clifford.
He was wearing chinos and a sweatshirt and Pippa thought he looked great.
There was tiredness around the eyes but apart from that he looked great.
He paused for a moment to glance at the sea of faces then he looked straight into her exceptional eyes, smiled and walked toward her.
She pointed towards the exit and they began walking that way, both on different sides of the barrier and never averting their gaze and totally oblivious to anyone else’s presence.
When the reached the exit in the barrier they continued walking still gazing at each other until they were out of the main flow of travelers.
Now they were facing each other.
“Hello.” Don said.
“Hello.” She answered coyly.
Then they kissed.
And all the panic and self-doubt just melted away.
This man was worth it; this man was her soul mate.
Sunday 5 February 2017
Those Memories Made on Teardrop Lake – (32) Gemini Girls
(Part 01)
Martha and Vikki were both “sweet sixteen and never been kissed” and the girls were the best of friends.
And to be perfectly honest they were not really interested in boys, their leisure time was spent sailing, mountain biking, orienteering, climbing, you name it and they did it.
Basically Martha and Vikki were the outdoorsy type.
They both lived in Dancingdean Hall, Martha in flat D with her widower father Andrew and Vikki in flat F with her divorced mother Alexandra and their primary aim in life was to get their respective parents interested in each other so they could become sisters.
That mission was finally accomplished at the bowling alley on one Saturday night in December, which meant they had a proper family Christmas.
The first one for Martha since she was ten years old and for Vikki it was the first one ever.
However while they were playing matchmaker with their parents Vikki and Martha met the devastatingly good looking Addison twins on the next lane.
David and John weren’t identical twins but they were clearly brothers and the girls thought they were absolutely gorgeous and as a result from that moment on their priorities shifted.
There was never an argument as to who liked which brother they were instantly attracted to one each, which was great for their friendship.
The problem was they had never been interested in boys before and although they were smitten they had absolutely no idea how to do anything about it.
They had succeeded in getting their parents together but that took almost a year.
They couldn’t wait that long with the twins they just couldn’t.
After they first encounter with them at the bowling they talked about the twins a lot but that was as far as it went.
The four of them all went to the same college in Childean and although the boys were a year ahead of the Martha and Vikki they did bump into each other quite often, although in truth they were more like ambushes on the girls part.
But they did say hello and smile and sometimes they even chatted briefly but they hadn’t secured a date or anything even closely resembling it.
The Addison family lived in Tower House which was at the Shallowfield end of Teardrop Lake, or to put it another way at the opposite end from where the girls lived.
The Addison’s were an old Teardrop family who were also important to the local economy as they were one of the largest employers in the area.
They owned and operated the Addison’s Bakery in Shallowfield and more than two dozen baker’s shops and an equal number of coffee shops throughout the county.
Simon at 48, was the Patriarch of the family and managing director of the company.
His wife Eleanor was two years his junior and was the finance director.
And they weren’t the only family members employed by the firm, there were more than thirty in all, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
And among them was Simon and Eleanor’s eldest son, Nick Addison, who at the age of 23 was currently the assistant manager of the Shallowfield shop.
He was in training to eventually replace his father and was leaning from the bottom up.
The younger boy’s, 18 year old twins David and John were still at college but they would be taking their place in the business when college finished in the summer.
(Part 02)
By the beginning of April along with their ambushing the boys at college whenever possible, which clearly wasn’t working, Vikki and Martha had adopted a different tactic.
Being the outdoorsy type they would take regular bike rides past Tower House in the hope of catching site of them but this also proved fruitless as did sailing their dinghy close to shore and repeatedly past their jetty.
David was the eldest twin by 6 minutes, he was also two inches taller and more self-confidence than John.
They were both athletically built with dark curly hair and blue eyes and although they were unaware of it Martha and Vikki had not gone unnoticed.
It was about a week into the month of April that John Addison was walking past the Shallowfield Lodge Hotel.
It was early on Saturday morning when Vikki came racing around the corner on her bike at pace and nearly took him out.
“Whoa” John said and jumped out of the way
Vikki screeched to a halt
“Sorry John” she said “I didn’t think anyone else was up and about this early”
She was up that early as she wanted to catch an early train to Abbottsford to order Martha’s birthday present and be back before Martha had even realised where she’d been.
John on the other hand was on his way home after an early shift at the Bakery.
He looked at her beautiful chestnut curls tied in a loose ponytail beneath her helmet, her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were ruddy from exertion.
Vikki had one foot on the floor and the other on the pedal and his eyes were fixed on the shape of her thigh and the firmness of her buttock and he was transfixed.
Then she caught him looking and he blushed and looked away.
“So why are you up so early?” he asked
“I’ve got to sort out a birthday pressie for Martha” she replied
“Are you catching the train?”
“Yes” she said and looked at her watch “Oh damn, the train, I have to go”
“Oh ok” he said failing to hide his disappointment as she pedalled away
“Bye” she said and as she pedalled off she cursed her luck’
After finally making some progress she had to leave
“Martha had better like this present or else” she said to herself
Vikki was desperate to tell her friend about her encounter with John on the perimeter road and to recount the story of her catching him devouring her with his eyes, but that would have necessitated her telling Martha about the circumstances that brought her to Shallowfield at that time of the morning on a Saturday.
So she had to keep it too herself.
A few days later Dave was just leaving Addison’s Coffee shop when he saw Martha walking the other way, he liked Martha, and he thought she was cute, but he never got a chance to talk to her when she was alone or when he was alone.
She was either with her friend Vikki or he was with his brother.
He saw her on the pavement, she slowed down as she approached the shop and when she saw him she waved.
Dave waved back and then inexplicably he blew her a kiss.
She stopped waving, went beetroot red and turned around sped off.
“Shit” he said out loud “too far, too soon”
Not for the first time in his life his self-confidence had got the better of him.
(Part 03)
“Bloody idiot” Dave muttered under his breath as he shuffled along the lane and he cursed his missed chance.
He was so distracted as he ambled along berating himself that he didn’t even notice his brother John coming the other way.
“What’s up bro?” John asked but David didn’t react and carried on as before.
“Dave!!” John called and grabbed his shoulder
“Wha…” Dave exclaimed
“What’s up Dave?” John asked
“I blew it” he replied
“Blew what?”
“I had a chance to talk to Martha one on one” he said “and instead of asking her out I scared her off before I could”
“Ah, I see” John said “I didn’t know you liked her”
“Oh I like her alright” he said “I like everything about her”
“Really?”
“Yes”
“I’m crazy about her mate Vikki” John admitted
“So how’s that going?” David asked
“Terribly” he said “But I have a plan”
“Good”
“What exactly did you do to scare her off?” John asked
“Don’t ask” he replied “you wouldn’t believe me if I told you”
After running away from David Addison outside the bakery Martha went straight to her best friend and blurted out the sorry tale and sobbed.
“I behaved like a silly little girl”
“Don’t be daft Mar” Vikki said
“But he blew me a kiss and I ran away” she responded
“How could I be so wet?”
“It’s not so bad” Vikki said encouragingly
“He’ll never look at me again” she said and buried her head in her hands.
Vikki was desperate to tell her story about meeting John but it would have to wait until after her birthday.
But on reflection she thought it probably wouldn’t have made either of them feel any better.
It was Martha McShane’s 17th birthday on the 21st of April and her friend Vikki’s was on the 25th.
On their actual birthday they were going out to a restaurant of their choice with their best friend and their parents.
Martha’s favourite was a Chinese in Abbottsford called the Scented while Vikki chose the Worsted Viper Hotel in Purplemere, because she liked the name.
It was a week after Dave had frightened away Martha and a week away from her birthday that the two girls were walking down the perimeter road heading for Shallowfield.
They were on the way to catch the bus to college and talking excitedly about their upcoming celebrations.
But when they reached the Shallowfield Lodge Hotel they found David and John Addison waiting by the gate.
“Hey you two” David said and they both smiled broadly.
Vikki smiled back and Martha blushed.
“Can I walk you to the bus?” John said
“Who are you asking?” Vikki asked
“You of course” he said
“Then yes you can” Vikki said cockily and she and John walked slowly away.
While all this was going on the normally gregarious David was suddenly uncharacteristically tongue tied and just kept grinning inanely at Martha.
She had stopped blushing and was waiting patiently for the invitation which didn’t appear to be coming so she said
“Yes you may”
“Wha… what?” David responded
“Yes you may” she repeated
“I may what?” he asked
“You may walk me to the bus” Martha said confidently
“Thank you” he said and they walked off behind the other two.
By the time both couples had reached the bus stop they had arranged to go out on a date in between the girl’s birthdays at a time and venue yet to be decided.
Martha and Vikki were both “sweet sixteen and never been kissed” and the girls were the best of friends.
And to be perfectly honest they were not really interested in boys, their leisure time was spent sailing, mountain biking, orienteering, climbing, you name it and they did it.
Basically Martha and Vikki were the outdoorsy type.
They both lived in Dancingdean Hall, Martha in flat D with her widower father Andrew and Vikki in flat F with her divorced mother Alexandra and their primary aim in life was to get their respective parents interested in each other so they could become sisters.
That mission was finally accomplished at the bowling alley on one Saturday night in December, which meant they had a proper family Christmas.
The first one for Martha since she was ten years old and for Vikki it was the first one ever.
However while they were playing matchmaker with their parents Vikki and Martha met the devastatingly good looking Addison twins on the next lane.
David and John weren’t identical twins but they were clearly brothers and the girls thought they were absolutely gorgeous and as a result from that moment on their priorities shifted.
There was never an argument as to who liked which brother they were instantly attracted to one each, which was great for their friendship.
The problem was they had never been interested in boys before and although they were smitten they had absolutely no idea how to do anything about it.
They had succeeded in getting their parents together but that took almost a year.
They couldn’t wait that long with the twins they just couldn’t.
After they first encounter with them at the bowling they talked about the twins a lot but that was as far as it went.
The four of them all went to the same college in Childean and although the boys were a year ahead of the Martha and Vikki they did bump into each other quite often, although in truth they were more like ambushes on the girls part.
But they did say hello and smile and sometimes they even chatted briefly but they hadn’t secured a date or anything even closely resembling it.
The Addison family lived in Tower House which was at the Shallowfield end of Teardrop Lake, or to put it another way at the opposite end from where the girls lived.
The Addison’s were an old Teardrop family who were also important to the local economy as they were one of the largest employers in the area.
They owned and operated the Addison’s Bakery in Shallowfield and more than two dozen baker’s shops and an equal number of coffee shops throughout the county.
Simon at 48, was the Patriarch of the family and managing director of the company.
His wife Eleanor was two years his junior and was the finance director.
And they weren’t the only family members employed by the firm, there were more than thirty in all, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
And among them was Simon and Eleanor’s eldest son, Nick Addison, who at the age of 23 was currently the assistant manager of the Shallowfield shop.
He was in training to eventually replace his father and was leaning from the bottom up.
The younger boy’s, 18 year old twins David and John were still at college but they would be taking their place in the business when college finished in the summer.
(Part 02)
By the beginning of April along with their ambushing the boys at college whenever possible, which clearly wasn’t working, Vikki and Martha had adopted a different tactic.
Being the outdoorsy type they would take regular bike rides past Tower House in the hope of catching site of them but this also proved fruitless as did sailing their dinghy close to shore and repeatedly past their jetty.
David was the eldest twin by 6 minutes, he was also two inches taller and more self-confidence than John.
They were both athletically built with dark curly hair and blue eyes and although they were unaware of it Martha and Vikki had not gone unnoticed.
It was about a week into the month of April that John Addison was walking past the Shallowfield Lodge Hotel.
It was early on Saturday morning when Vikki came racing around the corner on her bike at pace and nearly took him out.
“Whoa” John said and jumped out of the way
Vikki screeched to a halt
“Sorry John” she said “I didn’t think anyone else was up and about this early”
She was up that early as she wanted to catch an early train to Abbottsford to order Martha’s birthday present and be back before Martha had even realised where she’d been.
John on the other hand was on his way home after an early shift at the Bakery.
He looked at her beautiful chestnut curls tied in a loose ponytail beneath her helmet, her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were ruddy from exertion.
Vikki had one foot on the floor and the other on the pedal and his eyes were fixed on the shape of her thigh and the firmness of her buttock and he was transfixed.
Then she caught him looking and he blushed and looked away.
“So why are you up so early?” he asked
“I’ve got to sort out a birthday pressie for Martha” she replied
“Are you catching the train?”
“Yes” she said and looked at her watch “Oh damn, the train, I have to go”
“Oh ok” he said failing to hide his disappointment as she pedalled away
“Bye” she said and as she pedalled off she cursed her luck’
After finally making some progress she had to leave
“Martha had better like this present or else” she said to herself
Vikki was desperate to tell her friend about her encounter with John on the perimeter road and to recount the story of her catching him devouring her with his eyes, but that would have necessitated her telling Martha about the circumstances that brought her to Shallowfield at that time of the morning on a Saturday.
So she had to keep it too herself.
A few days later Dave was just leaving Addison’s Coffee shop when he saw Martha walking the other way, he liked Martha, and he thought she was cute, but he never got a chance to talk to her when she was alone or when he was alone.
She was either with her friend Vikki or he was with his brother.
He saw her on the pavement, she slowed down as she approached the shop and when she saw him she waved.
Dave waved back and then inexplicably he blew her a kiss.
She stopped waving, went beetroot red and turned around sped off.
“Shit” he said out loud “too far, too soon”
Not for the first time in his life his self-confidence had got the better of him.
(Part 03)
“Bloody idiot” Dave muttered under his breath as he shuffled along the lane and he cursed his missed chance.
He was so distracted as he ambled along berating himself that he didn’t even notice his brother John coming the other way.
“What’s up bro?” John asked but David didn’t react and carried on as before.
“Dave!!” John called and grabbed his shoulder
“Wha…” Dave exclaimed
“What’s up Dave?” John asked
“I blew it” he replied
“Blew what?”
“I had a chance to talk to Martha one on one” he said “and instead of asking her out I scared her off before I could”
“Ah, I see” John said “I didn’t know you liked her”
“Oh I like her alright” he said “I like everything about her”
“Really?”
“Yes”
“I’m crazy about her mate Vikki” John admitted
“So how’s that going?” David asked
“Terribly” he said “But I have a plan”
“Good”
“What exactly did you do to scare her off?” John asked
“Don’t ask” he replied “you wouldn’t believe me if I told you”
After running away from David Addison outside the bakery Martha went straight to her best friend and blurted out the sorry tale and sobbed.
“I behaved like a silly little girl”
“Don’t be daft Mar” Vikki said
“But he blew me a kiss and I ran away” she responded
“How could I be so wet?”
“It’s not so bad” Vikki said encouragingly
“He’ll never look at me again” she said and buried her head in her hands.
Vikki was desperate to tell her story about meeting John but it would have to wait until after her birthday.
But on reflection she thought it probably wouldn’t have made either of them feel any better.
It was Martha McShane’s 17th birthday on the 21st of April and her friend Vikki’s was on the 25th.
On their actual birthday they were going out to a restaurant of their choice with their best friend and their parents.
Martha’s favourite was a Chinese in Abbottsford called the Scented while Vikki chose the Worsted Viper Hotel in Purplemere, because she liked the name.
It was a week after Dave had frightened away Martha and a week away from her birthday that the two girls were walking down the perimeter road heading for Shallowfield.
They were on the way to catch the bus to college and talking excitedly about their upcoming celebrations.
But when they reached the Shallowfield Lodge Hotel they found David and John Addison waiting by the gate.
“Hey you two” David said and they both smiled broadly.
Vikki smiled back and Martha blushed.
“Can I walk you to the bus?” John said
“Who are you asking?” Vikki asked
“You of course” he said
“Then yes you can” Vikki said cockily and she and John walked slowly away.
While all this was going on the normally gregarious David was suddenly uncharacteristically tongue tied and just kept grinning inanely at Martha.
She had stopped blushing and was waiting patiently for the invitation which didn’t appear to be coming so she said
“Yes you may”
“Wha… what?” David responded
“Yes you may” she repeated
“I may what?” he asked
“You may walk me to the bus” Martha said confidently
“Thank you” he said and they walked off behind the other two.
By the time both couples had reached the bus stop they had arranged to go out on a date in between the girl’s birthdays at a time and venue yet to be decided.
Saturday 4 February 2017
Love Collection # 6
SWEET JOANNE
Sweet Joanne
With the perfect tan
Consummate style
And the white toothed smile
Joanne so fair
With the brunette hair
Oh hear my plea
Won’t you please go out with me?
PRETTY LITTLE JO
Pretty Little Jo
You confuse me so
You are prettily petite
With size three feet
You are funny and quirky
And infectiously perky
You act just like a girl
In your ribbons and curls
But pretty little Jo
What confuses me so
Is when you speak
Your voice is too deep
FINE AS SILKEN THREAD
Fine as silken thread
Her hair shone like burnished
Gold, in the bright sunlight
A PERFECT CIRCLE
A perfect circle
Of love has enveloped me
An eternal circle
A TRUE LOVE
Our love is a true love,
An everlasting for-
ever love, our true love
WE ARE SEPARATE NOW
We are separate now,
Irrevocably apart
So why do you refuse
To leave my broken heart
I CHANGED ON THAT DAY
I changed on that day
For the whole world to see
When I asked you out
And you didn’t flee
You wernt rude to me
Or laugh hysterically
Instead you smiled
And then said yes to me
And I changed again
For the whole world to see
When I said I love you
And you said you loved me
A TANGLED WEB
A tangled web of
Lies, woven of jealous spite
Brought you solitude
SORRY IF YOU CAUGHT ME STARING
Sorry if you caught me staring
But it was your fault to be fair
I was bedazzled by your beauty
And your shock of flaming hair
So what else could I have done?
But stand open mouthed and stare
I WHISPERED
I whispered those three
Words to you and you replied,
But I love you more
Sweet Joanne
With the perfect tan
Consummate style
And the white toothed smile
Joanne so fair
With the brunette hair
Oh hear my plea
Won’t you please go out with me?
PRETTY LITTLE JO
Pretty Little Jo
You confuse me so
You are prettily petite
With size three feet
You are funny and quirky
And infectiously perky
You act just like a girl
In your ribbons and curls
But pretty little Jo
What confuses me so
Is when you speak
Your voice is too deep
FINE AS SILKEN THREAD
Fine as silken thread
Her hair shone like burnished
Gold, in the bright sunlight
A PERFECT CIRCLE
A perfect circle
Of love has enveloped me
An eternal circle
A TRUE LOVE
Our love is a true love,
An everlasting for-
ever love, our true love
WE ARE SEPARATE NOW
We are separate now,
Irrevocably apart
So why do you refuse
To leave my broken heart
I CHANGED ON THAT DAY
I changed on that day
For the whole world to see
When I asked you out
And you didn’t flee
You wernt rude to me
Or laugh hysterically
Instead you smiled
And then said yes to me
And I changed again
For the whole world to see
When I said I love you
And you said you loved me
A TANGLED WEB
A tangled web of
Lies, woven of jealous spite
Brought you solitude
SORRY IF YOU CAUGHT ME STARING
Sorry if you caught me staring
But it was your fault to be fair
I was bedazzled by your beauty
And your shock of flaming hair
So what else could I have done?
But stand open mouthed and stare
I WHISPERED
I whispered those three
Words to you and you replied,
But I love you more
The Abbottsford Police Chronicles – The Redhead and the Captain
(Part One)
Detective Sergeant Tilly Donnally was, a fiery thirty-two year old red head, and she headed up team two of the Abbottsford CID.
Which she led by example relying heavily on her instincts, which rarely failed her.
She has been married for nearly a year to Jimmy Donnally, captain of Abbottsford Town football club.
Under her immediate command were Detective Constable Ben Clubley a surly thirty eight year old heavy drinker and ex gambling addict.
Though he was still a very capable officer on his good days they were getting fewer and farther between with every passing year.
Tilly realized he was not really a team player so she dealt with that by using him on single handed tasks.
Detective Constable James Pidd on the other hand was a different proposition.
He was thirty years old and a quiet unassuming man, though very calm and a very capable detective, not a leader, but blessed with a very analytical mind Tilly used him to great effect.
There was a great deal of raucous laughter and gallows humour in the squad room which turned to a chorus of cheers as DCI Overend entered.
The reason for the jollity was the news that morning of the demise of a local career criminal Tony Conway, who had inadvertently set himself alight while syphoning fuel from a van.
“Great news eh Guv, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person” said Detective Sergeant Katarski Brandishing an A3 colour photo of the spare rib formerly known as Conway.
DI Tom Adamson had obviously imparted the news of Conway’s demise ahead of his arrival.
“Every copper in the station must have pulled him at one time or another” said Tilly Donnally “He was like a training tool for probationers to practice on. He will be greatly missed”
“He certainly got his fingers burned this time,” added Boris.
“Well I’m pleased to see that the death of a fellow human being
Is the cause of such amusement” Bill said sternly
Everyone went silent and lowered their eyes.
“Especially when this particular human being did us the great service of setting fire to himself” Bill finished and laughed.
Everyone else joined in the laughter.
“Now while I have you all conveniently gathered” Bill paused “The untimely death of the late lamented Mr. Conway has uncovered a potential problem.
Namely, how did a career criminal with more form than “Desert Orchid” manage to get a job working for Olympic Security, the largest private security firm in southern England?”
They looked at each other.
“Did he use his own name?” asked DC Chute
“Apparently so.” answered Tom Adamson.
“Tilly I want your team to investigate, find out if he was vetted and if not why not, and if he was by whom.” Ordered Bill.
“Yes guv.” she said and turned away.
(Part Two)
About a week after the death of Conway, there were some additions to the squad PC Philippa Mead, a plain emaciated looking girl, stick thin with straight shoulder length blonde hair was added to Tilly’s team on a temporary secondment.
Sgt Donnally was very pleased with her addition to the team, she had worked with Pippa in the past and she felt very sure it would not be long before she would gain permanent promotion to CID.
There were several other additions to the squad, two permanent and two more seconded PC’s, these reinforcement were very timely as towards the end of the briefing the telephone rang in the Chief Inspectors office and Tom Adamson went in and answered it.
“Sir” he put his head round the door and caught Bills attention. “It’s the CAD room.”
Bill nodded.
“Ok take ten minutes for introductions and such like then back here for assignments.” He turned and walked into his office.
After what seemed to be only a matter of seconds Overend reappeared looking grave.
“Ok can I have some attention please?” Overend shouted.
“There’s been an armed robbery in Millmoor.”
He now had their attention.
“Tilly?”
“Sir” DS Donnally responded.
“Tilly, you take Khan and Griffin and get over to big Cyril’s betting shop in Millmoor and take statements. DI Adamson and I will follow.”
“Yes sir.” They chorused and left.
(Part Three)
Detective Sergeant Mathilda Donnally was named after her Grandmother, whom she loved greatly, her name however she hated with a passion.
Which was why she went by the name of Tilly, only her mother dared call her Matilda, even her Grandmother preferred to be called Mattie.
She was a fiery character with sparkling green eyes and was blessed with a sharp incisive mind and cursed with a quick temper.
Her tall slender frame in full flight with her flame red trailing behind her and her flashing green eyes was an exhilarating site.
The only thing more exhilarating was her driving although in truth it was more terrifying than exhilarating.
Marty Griffin was in the passenger side and he had his left hand on the door handle and his right hand gripping the underside of his seat.
Oh yes and his eyes screwed tight shut.
Ali Khan was in the middle of the back seat and braced himself with one hand on the back of each of the front seats.
Khan’s eyes were wide open and filled with terror, this was his first experience of Tilly’s driving.
Sergeant Donnally turned the wheel violently to the left and shot across both lanes of the dual carriage way and onto the slip road, sign posted Millmoor, in one motion and Ali Khan let out a scream.
After several more stomach-churning maneuvers, Tilly screeched the car to a halt, half on the pavement, in front of a small parade of seven shops the middle one being Big Cyril’s betting shop.
Tilly was out of the car and striding towards the bookies, as Khan and Griffin struggled out of the car, once Marty had regained the use of his legs he turned to Khan.
“You know I think she’s getting better.” He said encouragingly patting Khan on the back.
“Definitely.”
He walked gingerly in the directing DS Donnally took.
Khan remained leaning on the car oblivious to the fact he was getting wet.
(Part Four)
Bill Overend and Tom Adamson pulled up outside the row of shops.
They saw another CID car slewed halfway up the pavement and looked at each other.
“Tilly was driving then guv.” Said Tom.
“Hmm.” Said Bill raising his eyebrows.
Bill got out of the car as Tom’s mobile went off.
Sgt Donnally walked over to meet him.
“I see the advanced driving course was a great help Tilly!”
“Sorry Guv.” She said sheepishly.
“Ok fill me in.” Bill said.
“SOCO found nothing.” Replied Tilly. “We’ve completed door to door, several people did notice a dark colored car parked outside the shop and a couple thought it unusual for the lights to be on, on Easter Monday night. But that’s about it.”
“Who found him?”
“Sue Yardell, chief cashier, found him when she turned up for work this morning.”
Tom switched off his phone joined the others.
“That was Boris, they don’t have much more than we do here.” Said Inspector Adamson.
“Mrs. Curtis has been sedated so we won’t get anything from her until tomorrow best case. There will be a uniform staying in the house.”
“Thanks Tom.” He said then he turned his attention back to Tilly.
“What’s the story with Big Cyril?”
“Cyril’s in a bad way, he’s been taken to the Churchill, DC Khan went in the ambulance with him.” Tilly said as they walked towards the shop. “He’ll be on hand to get a statement.”
“Do we know what happened to him?” Inspector Adamson asked.
“We’ll according to the Paramedics the injuries were probably inflicted after the blaggers had what they wanted.”
“Where’s the cashier now?” Asked Bill
“I had uniform take her home, she was to shaken up to give a coherent statement.” Tilly replied. “She’s going to come in to the Millmoor station tomorrow.”
“No we’ll go to her Tilly, make the arrangements.”
“Yes Guv.”
“Ok let’s have a quick look round and then we can get back to the station.”
“Tilly try and get back to Abbottsford without killing anyone.” Overend shouted.
(Part Five)
Whereas the month of April had definitely gone with a bang, May had with out a doubt began with a whimper.
By eleven o’clock Bill Overend had taken just one phone call, which turned out to be a misdial, and cleared his in tray.
Tom Adamson had jetted off somewhere warm and sunny for two weeks, on holiday, so Bill turned his mind to the minor problem of who was to ride shot gun for him in Tom’s absence.
After due consideration Bill decided on DS Boris Katarski.
Boris’s normal sidekick DC Frank Chute could partner DS Tilly Donnally, he might act as a calming influence on her.
At twelve o’clock Bill decided he would take an early lunch and was on his way out of his office door when his phone rang.
His first impulse was to ignore it, because if he answered it and it was another misdial he would just get angry, but if he ignored it and it was something important.
So he answered it.
“Overend?”
He sat down and picked up his pen.
“Yes, I know it, it’s near Quarry Hill.”
“Ok thanks.”
He put down the phone and headed out of the office.
“Boris? Tilly?” He shouted.
They both emerged almost simultaneously from opposite directions.
“Sir?”
“We have a body in the Pepperstock Pits. Boris you’re with me. Tilly you take Frank.” Bill instructed.
“Oh, Tilly let Frank drive. The body’s dead so there’s no need for the infamous Donnally Warp speed.”
“Oh come on Guv?” She pleaded.
(Part Six)
Tilly Donnally was not the happiest person in the world and was in fact sulking.
Not only had she been forced to ride as a passenger by the DCI as if that wasn’t bad enough he had also cast aspersions over her driving abilities, an opinion shared by almost everyone in CID, apparently.
On top of this her husband, Jimmy, had forgotten her birthday, which was that very day.
As she sat in the passenger seat, sulking, she thought about how happy he had been the night before after he had helped the Knights escape relegation, even scoring the decisive goal, and how proud she was of him.
And then he forgets her birthday.
“Bastard.”
“Sorry?” Said Frank.
“What?” Not realizing she’d said it out loud.
“No not you Frank.” She said
“Well the DCI was only winding you up, you know.” Frank said calmly.
“I know that, it’s not him I’m mad at either.”
“Well who then?” Frank asked
“Jimmy.” She almost spat the word out.
“What’s he done then?” Asked Frank.
“He’s forgotten my birthday.” She said sulkily.
“Is that all?”
“Yes that’s all.” She said angrily.
“I’ve given him plenty of hints.”
“What kind of hints? Were they subtle hints?” Frank asked.
“Yes.”
“Well what do you expect, let’s be perfectly clear on this one Serge hints don’t work on men.
Subtle hints don’t work! Even heavy hints don’t work! You just have to remind him.”
He paused. “We don't remember dates. We don’t mark birthdays and anniversaries on the Calendar.”
“Norma start’s reminding me weeks beforehand, in plain English.”
Tilly said nothing.
“Anyway there’s still plenty of the day left for him to remember.”
Tilly looked unconvinced.
After a few minutes of silence Tilly spoke.
“Do you and Norma ever argue?”
“Of course.” He said
“What about?”
“Anything and everything.” Frank said.
“At the weekend for instance. We were decorating the lounge. And we argued about the colours because I refused to call them Peach, Pumpkin and Pear because they are fruit’s, not colors.
They are sometimes the names celebrity’s call their children but they are not colours”
“And I don’t have a clue what tope is. So we argued about the color scheme for an hour and then we found out we both wanted the same colors, we had just been calling them by different names.”
He gave a rich fruity chuckle.
“Anything else?” She asked
“We argue about her having enough clothes or having too many shoes.” Frank answered. ”And the time it takes her to get ready, when we go out.”
“And what about you? What do you do to make Norma mad?”
“Watching sport all the time.” Frank said.
“And she doesn’t like it when I ogle women.” Tilly threw him a look.
“Look it’s perfectly natural and it is only looking.”
Just then as they drew to a stop for a red light there was a bright yellow sports car parked by the curb.
“Do you see that car? I can look at that car, I think it’s beautiful, in fact it’s gorgeous, but just because I like how it looks doesn’t mean I’m going to get in and drive it.”
“How typical.” Tilly said. “Only a man could try to justify drooling over another woman while he had his wife on his arm.”
“And you’ve never looked at another man while you’ve been with Jimmy?” Asked Frank.
“I think we should change the subject.” Answered Tilly trying to suppress a smile.
“That’s a yes then.”
(Part Seven)
At the end of the afternoon, back in the squad room, Tilly was sitting at her desk still sulking about Jimmy forgetting her birthday.
She looked at her watch, it was time to go home, and in fact it was ten minutes after time.
She had just tidied her desk and gathered her belongings into her handbag.
Just as she stood up to put on her coat the phone rang.
She sighed, put down her bag and answered the phone.
“Donnally?”
“Hello Serge, There’s a Mr. Niven in reception to see you.” It was PC Deacon.
“Well what does he want Sticky?” She asked.
“He says he needs to talk to you.”
“Ok I’m on my way down anyway.”
She hung up the phone and put on her coat, picked up her bag and started for the door.
“Good night all.” She called.
“Night Tilly.” Said Bill.
She pushed through the door and was seemingly unaware that most of the squad were following her down the stairs.
When she reached reception PC Deacon pointed her in the direction of a smartly uniformed man with a cap under his arm.
“Sergeant Donnally?” He said as she approached.
“Yes.” She answered. “And you are?”
“Jim Niven.” He said with a little bow.
“I’m your driver madam.”
“My what?”
“Your driver.” He made a sweeping gesture with his arm and then pointed in the direction of the car park.
She turned her head in the direction he was pointing.
She stood for a few seconds before what she was seeing finally registered.
It was a gleaming black limousine.
“I don’t understand.” She said.
“My instructions were to collect Detective Sergeant Donnally from Abbottsford police station.” He explained.
“It’s for me?” She stammered. “Where are we going?”
“I can’t answer that.” He answered. “All will be revealed in due course.”
It was at this point that she became aware that she had an audience.
“Did you lot know about this?” She asked.
“We had an inkling.” Answered Bill.
“Now off you go before it turns back into a pumpkin.”
Tilly could only manage a nod and a smile.
“Oh, Tilly, I don’t want to see you back here until Tuesday.”
“Ok Guv.” She said still slightly dazed.
Jim Niven, the driver, held open the door and she walked through the opening slowly.
Then as she reached the limousine, the driver already had his hand on the door handle, and he opened it and her husband, Jimmy, stepped out.
Tilly was stopped in her tracks with surprise when she saw Jimmy.
After a few seconds she threw her arms around his neck.
“You Bastard. You didn’t forget.”
As the car drove away the crowd in reception began to disperse.
“Well that was nice.” Bill said.
“You old softy.” Jenny Hack said. “You’re a romantic old thing.”
“Yes, but luckily only you and I know that. My little flower.”
Detective Sergeant Tilly Donnally was, a fiery thirty-two year old red head, and she headed up team two of the Abbottsford CID.
Which she led by example relying heavily on her instincts, which rarely failed her.
She has been married for nearly a year to Jimmy Donnally, captain of Abbottsford Town football club.
Under her immediate command were Detective Constable Ben Clubley a surly thirty eight year old heavy drinker and ex gambling addict.
Though he was still a very capable officer on his good days they were getting fewer and farther between with every passing year.
Tilly realized he was not really a team player so she dealt with that by using him on single handed tasks.
Detective Constable James Pidd on the other hand was a different proposition.
He was thirty years old and a quiet unassuming man, though very calm and a very capable detective, not a leader, but blessed with a very analytical mind Tilly used him to great effect.
There was a great deal of raucous laughter and gallows humour in the squad room which turned to a chorus of cheers as DCI Overend entered.
The reason for the jollity was the news that morning of the demise of a local career criminal Tony Conway, who had inadvertently set himself alight while syphoning fuel from a van.
“Great news eh Guv, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person” said Detective Sergeant Katarski Brandishing an A3 colour photo of the spare rib formerly known as Conway.
DI Tom Adamson had obviously imparted the news of Conway’s demise ahead of his arrival.
“Every copper in the station must have pulled him at one time or another” said Tilly Donnally “He was like a training tool for probationers to practice on. He will be greatly missed”
“He certainly got his fingers burned this time,” added Boris.
“Well I’m pleased to see that the death of a fellow human being
Is the cause of such amusement” Bill said sternly
Everyone went silent and lowered their eyes.
“Especially when this particular human being did us the great service of setting fire to himself” Bill finished and laughed.
Everyone else joined in the laughter.
“Now while I have you all conveniently gathered” Bill paused “The untimely death of the late lamented Mr. Conway has uncovered a potential problem.
Namely, how did a career criminal with more form than “Desert Orchid” manage to get a job working for Olympic Security, the largest private security firm in southern England?”
They looked at each other.
“Did he use his own name?” asked DC Chute
“Apparently so.” answered Tom Adamson.
“Tilly I want your team to investigate, find out if he was vetted and if not why not, and if he was by whom.” Ordered Bill.
“Yes guv.” she said and turned away.
(Part Two)
About a week after the death of Conway, there were some additions to the squad PC Philippa Mead, a plain emaciated looking girl, stick thin with straight shoulder length blonde hair was added to Tilly’s team on a temporary secondment.
Sgt Donnally was very pleased with her addition to the team, she had worked with Pippa in the past and she felt very sure it would not be long before she would gain permanent promotion to CID.
There were several other additions to the squad, two permanent and two more seconded PC’s, these reinforcement were very timely as towards the end of the briefing the telephone rang in the Chief Inspectors office and Tom Adamson went in and answered it.
“Sir” he put his head round the door and caught Bills attention. “It’s the CAD room.”
Bill nodded.
“Ok take ten minutes for introductions and such like then back here for assignments.” He turned and walked into his office.
After what seemed to be only a matter of seconds Overend reappeared looking grave.
“Ok can I have some attention please?” Overend shouted.
“There’s been an armed robbery in Millmoor.”
He now had their attention.
“Tilly?”
“Sir” DS Donnally responded.
“Tilly, you take Khan and Griffin and get over to big Cyril’s betting shop in Millmoor and take statements. DI Adamson and I will follow.”
“Yes sir.” They chorused and left.
(Part Three)
Detective Sergeant Mathilda Donnally was named after her Grandmother, whom she loved greatly, her name however she hated with a passion.
Which was why she went by the name of Tilly, only her mother dared call her Matilda, even her Grandmother preferred to be called Mattie.
She was a fiery character with sparkling green eyes and was blessed with a sharp incisive mind and cursed with a quick temper.
Her tall slender frame in full flight with her flame red trailing behind her and her flashing green eyes was an exhilarating site.
The only thing more exhilarating was her driving although in truth it was more terrifying than exhilarating.
Marty Griffin was in the passenger side and he had his left hand on the door handle and his right hand gripping the underside of his seat.
Oh yes and his eyes screwed tight shut.
Ali Khan was in the middle of the back seat and braced himself with one hand on the back of each of the front seats.
Khan’s eyes were wide open and filled with terror, this was his first experience of Tilly’s driving.
Sergeant Donnally turned the wheel violently to the left and shot across both lanes of the dual carriage way and onto the slip road, sign posted Millmoor, in one motion and Ali Khan let out a scream.
After several more stomach-churning maneuvers, Tilly screeched the car to a halt, half on the pavement, in front of a small parade of seven shops the middle one being Big Cyril’s betting shop.
Tilly was out of the car and striding towards the bookies, as Khan and Griffin struggled out of the car, once Marty had regained the use of his legs he turned to Khan.
“You know I think she’s getting better.” He said encouragingly patting Khan on the back.
“Definitely.”
He walked gingerly in the directing DS Donnally took.
Khan remained leaning on the car oblivious to the fact he was getting wet.
(Part Four)
Bill Overend and Tom Adamson pulled up outside the row of shops.
They saw another CID car slewed halfway up the pavement and looked at each other.
“Tilly was driving then guv.” Said Tom.
“Hmm.” Said Bill raising his eyebrows.
Bill got out of the car as Tom’s mobile went off.
Sgt Donnally walked over to meet him.
“I see the advanced driving course was a great help Tilly!”
“Sorry Guv.” She said sheepishly.
“Ok fill me in.” Bill said.
“SOCO found nothing.” Replied Tilly. “We’ve completed door to door, several people did notice a dark colored car parked outside the shop and a couple thought it unusual for the lights to be on, on Easter Monday night. But that’s about it.”
“Who found him?”
“Sue Yardell, chief cashier, found him when she turned up for work this morning.”
Tom switched off his phone joined the others.
“That was Boris, they don’t have much more than we do here.” Said Inspector Adamson.
“Mrs. Curtis has been sedated so we won’t get anything from her until tomorrow best case. There will be a uniform staying in the house.”
“Thanks Tom.” He said then he turned his attention back to Tilly.
“What’s the story with Big Cyril?”
“Cyril’s in a bad way, he’s been taken to the Churchill, DC Khan went in the ambulance with him.” Tilly said as they walked towards the shop. “He’ll be on hand to get a statement.”
“Do we know what happened to him?” Inspector Adamson asked.
“We’ll according to the Paramedics the injuries were probably inflicted after the blaggers had what they wanted.”
“Where’s the cashier now?” Asked Bill
“I had uniform take her home, she was to shaken up to give a coherent statement.” Tilly replied. “She’s going to come in to the Millmoor station tomorrow.”
“No we’ll go to her Tilly, make the arrangements.”
“Yes Guv.”
“Ok let’s have a quick look round and then we can get back to the station.”
“Tilly try and get back to Abbottsford without killing anyone.” Overend shouted.
(Part Five)
Whereas the month of April had definitely gone with a bang, May had with out a doubt began with a whimper.
By eleven o’clock Bill Overend had taken just one phone call, which turned out to be a misdial, and cleared his in tray.
Tom Adamson had jetted off somewhere warm and sunny for two weeks, on holiday, so Bill turned his mind to the minor problem of who was to ride shot gun for him in Tom’s absence.
After due consideration Bill decided on DS Boris Katarski.
Boris’s normal sidekick DC Frank Chute could partner DS Tilly Donnally, he might act as a calming influence on her.
At twelve o’clock Bill decided he would take an early lunch and was on his way out of his office door when his phone rang.
His first impulse was to ignore it, because if he answered it and it was another misdial he would just get angry, but if he ignored it and it was something important.
So he answered it.
“Overend?”
He sat down and picked up his pen.
“Yes, I know it, it’s near Quarry Hill.”
“Ok thanks.”
He put down the phone and headed out of the office.
“Boris? Tilly?” He shouted.
They both emerged almost simultaneously from opposite directions.
“Sir?”
“We have a body in the Pepperstock Pits. Boris you’re with me. Tilly you take Frank.” Bill instructed.
“Oh, Tilly let Frank drive. The body’s dead so there’s no need for the infamous Donnally Warp speed.”
“Oh come on Guv?” She pleaded.
(Part Six)
Tilly Donnally was not the happiest person in the world and was in fact sulking.
Not only had she been forced to ride as a passenger by the DCI as if that wasn’t bad enough he had also cast aspersions over her driving abilities, an opinion shared by almost everyone in CID, apparently.
On top of this her husband, Jimmy, had forgotten her birthday, which was that very day.
As she sat in the passenger seat, sulking, she thought about how happy he had been the night before after he had helped the Knights escape relegation, even scoring the decisive goal, and how proud she was of him.
And then he forgets her birthday.
“Bastard.”
“Sorry?” Said Frank.
“What?” Not realizing she’d said it out loud.
“No not you Frank.” She said
“Well the DCI was only winding you up, you know.” Frank said calmly.
“I know that, it’s not him I’m mad at either.”
“Well who then?” Frank asked
“Jimmy.” She almost spat the word out.
“What’s he done then?” Asked Frank.
“He’s forgotten my birthday.” She said sulkily.
“Is that all?”
“Yes that’s all.” She said angrily.
“I’ve given him plenty of hints.”
“What kind of hints? Were they subtle hints?” Frank asked.
“Yes.”
“Well what do you expect, let’s be perfectly clear on this one Serge hints don’t work on men.
Subtle hints don’t work! Even heavy hints don’t work! You just have to remind him.”
He paused. “We don't remember dates. We don’t mark birthdays and anniversaries on the Calendar.”
“Norma start’s reminding me weeks beforehand, in plain English.”
Tilly said nothing.
“Anyway there’s still plenty of the day left for him to remember.”
Tilly looked unconvinced.
After a few minutes of silence Tilly spoke.
“Do you and Norma ever argue?”
“Of course.” He said
“What about?”
“Anything and everything.” Frank said.
“At the weekend for instance. We were decorating the lounge. And we argued about the colours because I refused to call them Peach, Pumpkin and Pear because they are fruit’s, not colors.
They are sometimes the names celebrity’s call their children but they are not colours”
“And I don’t have a clue what tope is. So we argued about the color scheme for an hour and then we found out we both wanted the same colors, we had just been calling them by different names.”
He gave a rich fruity chuckle.
“Anything else?” She asked
“We argue about her having enough clothes or having too many shoes.” Frank answered. ”And the time it takes her to get ready, when we go out.”
“And what about you? What do you do to make Norma mad?”
“Watching sport all the time.” Frank said.
“And she doesn’t like it when I ogle women.” Tilly threw him a look.
“Look it’s perfectly natural and it is only looking.”
Just then as they drew to a stop for a red light there was a bright yellow sports car parked by the curb.
“Do you see that car? I can look at that car, I think it’s beautiful, in fact it’s gorgeous, but just because I like how it looks doesn’t mean I’m going to get in and drive it.”
“How typical.” Tilly said. “Only a man could try to justify drooling over another woman while he had his wife on his arm.”
“And you’ve never looked at another man while you’ve been with Jimmy?” Asked Frank.
“I think we should change the subject.” Answered Tilly trying to suppress a smile.
“That’s a yes then.”
(Part Seven)
At the end of the afternoon, back in the squad room, Tilly was sitting at her desk still sulking about Jimmy forgetting her birthday.
She looked at her watch, it was time to go home, and in fact it was ten minutes after time.
She had just tidied her desk and gathered her belongings into her handbag.
Just as she stood up to put on her coat the phone rang.
She sighed, put down her bag and answered the phone.
“Donnally?”
“Hello Serge, There’s a Mr. Niven in reception to see you.” It was PC Deacon.
“Well what does he want Sticky?” She asked.
“He says he needs to talk to you.”
“Ok I’m on my way down anyway.”
She hung up the phone and put on her coat, picked up her bag and started for the door.
“Good night all.” She called.
“Night Tilly.” Said Bill.
She pushed through the door and was seemingly unaware that most of the squad were following her down the stairs.
When she reached reception PC Deacon pointed her in the direction of a smartly uniformed man with a cap under his arm.
“Sergeant Donnally?” He said as she approached.
“Yes.” She answered. “And you are?”
“Jim Niven.” He said with a little bow.
“I’m your driver madam.”
“My what?”
“Your driver.” He made a sweeping gesture with his arm and then pointed in the direction of the car park.
She turned her head in the direction he was pointing.
She stood for a few seconds before what she was seeing finally registered.
It was a gleaming black limousine.
“I don’t understand.” She said.
“My instructions were to collect Detective Sergeant Donnally from Abbottsford police station.” He explained.
“It’s for me?” She stammered. “Where are we going?”
“I can’t answer that.” He answered. “All will be revealed in due course.”
It was at this point that she became aware that she had an audience.
“Did you lot know about this?” She asked.
“We had an inkling.” Answered Bill.
“Now off you go before it turns back into a pumpkin.”
Tilly could only manage a nod and a smile.
“Oh, Tilly, I don’t want to see you back here until Tuesday.”
“Ok Guv.” She said still slightly dazed.
Jim Niven, the driver, held open the door and she walked through the opening slowly.
Then as she reached the limousine, the driver already had his hand on the door handle, and he opened it and her husband, Jimmy, stepped out.
Tilly was stopped in her tracks with surprise when she saw Jimmy.
After a few seconds she threw her arms around his neck.
“You Bastard. You didn’t forget.”
As the car drove away the crowd in reception began to disperse.
“Well that was nice.” Bill said.
“You old softy.” Jenny Hack said. “You’re a romantic old thing.”
“Yes, but luckily only you and I know that. My little flower.”
Those Memories Made on Teardrop Lake – (31) Deliciousness
(Part 01)
Nick Addison was the eldest son of Simon and Eleanor Addison.
Who at the age of 23 was currently the assistant manager of the Bakers shop in Shallowfield?
The Addison family lived in Tower House which was at the Shallowfield end of Teardrop Lake, and they were an old Teardrop family who were also very important to the local economy as they were one of the largest employers in the area.
The family owned and operated the Addison’s Bakery in Shallowfield and more than two dozen baker’s shops and an equal number of coffee shops throughout the county of Downshire.
Simon at 48, was the Patriarch of the family and managing director of the company and his wife Eleanor was two years his junior and was the finance director.
And they weren’t the only family members employed by the firm, there were more than thirty in all, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins and among them was Nick.
Nick had been working at the Bakery since Christmas and he had got to know a lot of regular customers over that time but only one of them caused his heart to pound and his pulse to race.
Antonia Mazzone was the same age as Nick and she had been a waitress at the Phoenix Restaurant for almost 9 months in fact she had been there since it opened.
She was tall and lean with short straight blonde hair which hung longer at the front than at the back and was held off her face by a clip.
And when she came in the shop they would always smiled politely at each other and exchanged pleasantries but nothing more than that.
She normally wore the traditional waitress attire of a white blouse, black skirt and black tights although she would often alternate the skirt with black tailored trousers.
Nick always looked forward to her going into the shop or even just walking past it.
He liked it particularly in the evenings especially if she was late for her shift.
She always wore heels and when she was late for work she had to walk fast and as she did so it forced her to lean forward from the waist and the consequence of the heels and the leaning forward pushed her bum out backwards which he found rather a delicious sight.
And he really loved that, he liked it when she was late.
But as it turned out it was not the most delicious sight she had in store for him.
On a particularly warm and sunny Monday morning in May as she approached the shop with the sunlight behind her.
It rendered her new white blouse almost invisible and displayed her well filled white lacy bra to great effect.
He glanced sideways and realized that he was the only one in the shop who had noticed her revelation she he turned back to enjoy some more.
She pushed open the door and stepped inside the shop and she was fully clothed again.
Antonia smiled as she walked inside and approached the counter.
“Good morning Toni” Nick said
“Hi Nick” she replied “isn’t it a beautiful day”
“It is” he responded “do you want your usual?”
“Yes please”
Her usual was a Pecan Platt Danish pastry.
She called into the shop every morning around ten o’clock on her way to work.
Nick put her pastry in a bag and handed it to her but as he did so he leant towards her and whispered.
“Don’t take this the wrong way but your blouse is totally see through in the sunshine”
She gave him a puzzled look as he took the money from her and turned to face the till.
And as he turned back with her change the penny had obviously dropped.
(Part 02)
“Oh God” she said and put the Danish back on the counter and quickly put on her cardigan and she was blushing vividly as she took her change and said.
“Thank you”
She walked to the door and half turned as she opened it
“Thank you” she said and smiled
Though she wasn’t thanking him for the pastry but rather for his gallantry.
Though to his shame his actions weren’t driven so much by gallantry as selfishness because he didn’t want anyone else to see what he had seen.
However Nick came to wonder if he had done the right thing after all because he didn’t see her in the shop for the rest of that week and most of the following one and when he did see her through the shop window she was walking on the opposite side of the street.
That was not the desired effect he was hoping for as a result giving her the heads up about the blouse.
He had hoped that it might have been like an ice breaker, a prelude to something other than the customer/purveyor interactions they had hitherto been restricted to.
Now it appeared to him that they weren’t even to have those interactions anymore.
For Antonia avoiding the Bakers was a double edged sword, not only was she having to forgo her guilty pleasure namely her daily Danish, but she was also having to give up what she would have liked to have become a guilty pleasure in the future, the Assistant Manager Nick Addison.
In truth she was heartily embarrassed to make such an exhibition of herself and for it to have been the object of her affections to have been the recipient of the peep show.
Not that she was a prude about such matters and if her lustful desires ever came to fruition he would get to see it all.
But she was hoping that would have been at a time and a place of her choosing and not on the street outside his place of work.
So as a result of her exposing herself they were now restricted to distant sightings of each other.
They had reached an impasse, he fancied her and she fancied him but neither knew the others disposition and were too afraid of going out on a limb.
But if he didn’t speak to her outside the shop and she wouldn’t go in the shop then nothing would ever come of their individual desires.
In the end it was events beyond either of their control that broke the stalemate.
Some might say that fate took a hand to bang their heads together.
Almost from her first day at the Phoenix restaurant as a waitress Antonia had shown an interest in what went on beyond the pass.
She could have had chosen a different path and gone into the Mazzone’s family business and had an easier life.
The Mazzone’s began with one barbers shop fifty years earlier and that had grown into a beauty business empire, Unisex salons, spas, nail bars and tanning salons.
But she didn’t see her future in hairdressers and beauty salons she wanted to be a Chef.
From day one at the Phoenix she had impressed the owners with her willingness to do absolutely anything that was asked of her and quite a lot of what wasn’t.
Head Chef Jane Cooper and her partner, in every sense of the word, manager Terry O’Neil valued her very highly and believed strongly that she would be a very valuable asset to them in whatever capacity turned out to be her natural bent.
Which is why after nine months Jane asked her if she wanted to train with her as a Chef.
In the early stages it would necessitate her keeping a foot in both camps so to speak and do waitress shifts while she trained but still she jumped at the chance.
(Part 03)
The news came two weeks after the see through blouse incident and she was so happy she wanted to go over to the Bakers and share her news with Nick but halfway there she had second thoughts.
“He probably won’t be interested”
She said to herself but in truth she was still a little embarrassed.
If she had gone into the shop she wouldn’t have found him there anyway, he was over in Northchapel for two days, training staff for the new shop that was opening the following week.
On Saturday night Nick left the Northchapel shop with the new manager Ian Frazer at about 9.00pm and after locking up they went into the Town centre to have a curry before they both headed off.
It was after 11 when he returned to his car and he was absolutely shattered.
He set off and was really looking forward to his bed when he got a puncture, he hadn’t gone more than half a mile.
“Bollocks” He said and pulled over into a convenience layby but when he went to the boot for the spare it was flat and he didn’t have a pump.
He had RAC cover so he could have phoned them but he couldn’t be bothered to wait around for God knew how long.
So he locked the car and walked back into town getting to the station with 15 minutes to spare for the last train to Shallowfield.
It was known as the rattler as it rattled along stopping at what seemed like every station in Downshire.
Antonia was also out that Saturday night celebrating her change of career with some friends in Childean.
And as a certain amount of alcohol had been imbibed with their meal she and her friends were also catching the train home.
Childean however was one of the few stations in the county that the Northchapel rattler didn’t stop at.
Nick was struggling to keep his eyes open as the train rattled its way through the darkness.
He was only two stops from home and if he missed his stop he would end up in Abbottsford for the night.
The train pulled into Purplemere station and came to a stop.
The sliding doors opened and a cool blast of air hit him which perked him up a bit and then a tall blonde giggling girl fell into the carriage and plonked down on the seat opposite him.
And when she had settled and brushed the blonde strands of hair from her face he realized it was Toni.
She was still giggling when he said
“Hello”
It took her a moment to focus on him and then she beamed a smile at him
“It’s you” she said “I’ve been celebrating”
“I can tell” Nick said and smiled
“What were you celebrating?” he added
“I’m going to train as a Chef” she said proudly
“So where did you go?” Nick asked
“The Chinese place in Childean” she slurred
“Oh I see” he said a little puzzled “so how come you got on the train at Purplemere?”
“I got on the wrong train” she admitted and giggled
“Now I understand” he said and laughed
Apparently she had been so busy chatting away with her friends that she got on the train with them.
The problem was they were so tiddly they didn’t notice her mistake until they reached Purplemere.
Nick decided he would take advantage of her inebriated state and tell her how he felt about her.
“You haven’t been in the shop for ages” he said “I’ve missed you”
“I’ve missed my Danish” she said
Not the response he was hoping for in fact he was left a little deflated by her response.
“It’s clear where your priorities lay” he thought to himself
Then she asked
“Did you say you missed me?”
“Yes” he said
“Because you like me buying Danish pastries?”
She asked
“No, because I just like you coming in to see me” he replied
She got up awkwardly and crossed the narrow gap to sit next to him
Just as the train pulled into Shallowfield
“I like you too” she slurred
“Come on” he said and helped her to her feet “or you’ll end up in Abbottsford”
(Part 04)
Once safely off the train he added
“I’ll walk you home”
She only lived about a hundred yards from the station but in her condition he didn’t trust her to make it.
“I like you too” she repeated as he took her arm and steered her through the barrier
“Do you?” he asked doubtfully
“Yes” she insisted as they emerged from the station building
“I really do”
“Hmm” he said
“But I do” she said “Why don’t you believe me?”
“Well” he said as they turned into the end of her road “tiddly Toni might really like me”
“She does, she really does” she said holding on to his arm and looking at him pleadingly
“But when sober Antonia returns she will probably go back to avoiding the shop and walking on the other side of the street”
“No she won’t Nick I promise” She said “She was just embarrassed about you seeing my boobies” she said “That was all”
They had reached her front gate
“Well here we are safely at your front door” Nick said
“Are you going kiss tiddly Toni goodnight?” she asked very childlike
“No I want our first proper kiss to be with sober Antonia”
And he kissed her forehead “I want it to be memorable for both of us”
“Can I see you tomorrow then?”
She asked
“It’s already tomorrow” he replied “and when you get up I can guarantee you won’t want to see me”
“When then?” she asked pathetically
“That’s up to you” Nick replied “You know where to find me”
Nick kissed her on the forehead again and hugged her
“I really hope you like me as much as I do you” he said kissed her one more time and walked away
“Goodnight Toni”
As she watched him walk away she set her jaw resolutely and said
“I’ll show you Nicholas Addison”
Nick meanwhile was hoping he hadn’t blown his chance with her.
It’s just that he wanted her heart and soul and didn’t want something between them to begin with her drunken infatuation based merely on a response of his declaration.
As predicted Antonia was disinclined to see anyone the next day and remained in her room with a killer head and an ice pack.
She also reran the conversation with Nick over and over again.
The first time it made no sense at all but with each subsequent review it became clearer and clearer until she knew what she should do.
On Monday morning Nick opened the shop and was surprised to see Antonia was second in line behind Mrs Mason.
Karen Clarke served Mrs Mason and nick served Antonia.
“Hi Toni” he said
“Good morning Nick” she replied “it’s another beautiful day”
“Yes it is” he responded “do you want your usual?”
“Toni will have her usual Danish but the sober and responsible Antonia Mazzone has come to claim the kiss promised to her in the moonlight”
Everyone in the queue now was watching on in silence.
“Well we here at Addison’s pride ourselves on giving the customers what they want”
And Nick stepped around the counter and approached her
“I hope this will be memorable enough for you” she said as they stood face to face smiling at each other and then they kissed.
It was a long slow and deliberate kiss.
“Tiddly Toni wasn’t lying was she” she whispered when they had finished.
“No she certainly wasn’t” he agreed and kissed her again
“Thank Mr Addison that was quite delicious” she said
“Here if I buy a Danish do I get one of those?” Mrs Mason asked and everyone laughed
“I’m sorry Mrs Mason” he said “Special customers only”
Nick Addison was the eldest son of Simon and Eleanor Addison.
Who at the age of 23 was currently the assistant manager of the Bakers shop in Shallowfield?
The Addison family lived in Tower House which was at the Shallowfield end of Teardrop Lake, and they were an old Teardrop family who were also very important to the local economy as they were one of the largest employers in the area.
The family owned and operated the Addison’s Bakery in Shallowfield and more than two dozen baker’s shops and an equal number of coffee shops throughout the county of Downshire.
Simon at 48, was the Patriarch of the family and managing director of the company and his wife Eleanor was two years his junior and was the finance director.
And they weren’t the only family members employed by the firm, there were more than thirty in all, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins and among them was Nick.
Nick had been working at the Bakery since Christmas and he had got to know a lot of regular customers over that time but only one of them caused his heart to pound and his pulse to race.
Antonia Mazzone was the same age as Nick and she had been a waitress at the Phoenix Restaurant for almost 9 months in fact she had been there since it opened.
She was tall and lean with short straight blonde hair which hung longer at the front than at the back and was held off her face by a clip.
And when she came in the shop they would always smiled politely at each other and exchanged pleasantries but nothing more than that.
She normally wore the traditional waitress attire of a white blouse, black skirt and black tights although she would often alternate the skirt with black tailored trousers.
Nick always looked forward to her going into the shop or even just walking past it.
He liked it particularly in the evenings especially if she was late for her shift.
She always wore heels and when she was late for work she had to walk fast and as she did so it forced her to lean forward from the waist and the consequence of the heels and the leaning forward pushed her bum out backwards which he found rather a delicious sight.
And he really loved that, he liked it when she was late.
But as it turned out it was not the most delicious sight she had in store for him.
On a particularly warm and sunny Monday morning in May as she approached the shop with the sunlight behind her.
It rendered her new white blouse almost invisible and displayed her well filled white lacy bra to great effect.
He glanced sideways and realized that he was the only one in the shop who had noticed her revelation she he turned back to enjoy some more.
She pushed open the door and stepped inside the shop and she was fully clothed again.
Antonia smiled as she walked inside and approached the counter.
“Good morning Toni” Nick said
“Hi Nick” she replied “isn’t it a beautiful day”
“It is” he responded “do you want your usual?”
“Yes please”
Her usual was a Pecan Platt Danish pastry.
She called into the shop every morning around ten o’clock on her way to work.
Nick put her pastry in a bag and handed it to her but as he did so he leant towards her and whispered.
“Don’t take this the wrong way but your blouse is totally see through in the sunshine”
She gave him a puzzled look as he took the money from her and turned to face the till.
And as he turned back with her change the penny had obviously dropped.
(Part 02)
“Oh God” she said and put the Danish back on the counter and quickly put on her cardigan and she was blushing vividly as she took her change and said.
“Thank you”
She walked to the door and half turned as she opened it
“Thank you” she said and smiled
Though she wasn’t thanking him for the pastry but rather for his gallantry.
Though to his shame his actions weren’t driven so much by gallantry as selfishness because he didn’t want anyone else to see what he had seen.
However Nick came to wonder if he had done the right thing after all because he didn’t see her in the shop for the rest of that week and most of the following one and when he did see her through the shop window she was walking on the opposite side of the street.
That was not the desired effect he was hoping for as a result giving her the heads up about the blouse.
He had hoped that it might have been like an ice breaker, a prelude to something other than the customer/purveyor interactions they had hitherto been restricted to.
Now it appeared to him that they weren’t even to have those interactions anymore.
For Antonia avoiding the Bakers was a double edged sword, not only was she having to forgo her guilty pleasure namely her daily Danish, but she was also having to give up what she would have liked to have become a guilty pleasure in the future, the Assistant Manager Nick Addison.
In truth she was heartily embarrassed to make such an exhibition of herself and for it to have been the object of her affections to have been the recipient of the peep show.
Not that she was a prude about such matters and if her lustful desires ever came to fruition he would get to see it all.
But she was hoping that would have been at a time and a place of her choosing and not on the street outside his place of work.
So as a result of her exposing herself they were now restricted to distant sightings of each other.
They had reached an impasse, he fancied her and she fancied him but neither knew the others disposition and were too afraid of going out on a limb.
But if he didn’t speak to her outside the shop and she wouldn’t go in the shop then nothing would ever come of their individual desires.
In the end it was events beyond either of their control that broke the stalemate.
Some might say that fate took a hand to bang their heads together.
Almost from her first day at the Phoenix restaurant as a waitress Antonia had shown an interest in what went on beyond the pass.
She could have had chosen a different path and gone into the Mazzone’s family business and had an easier life.
The Mazzone’s began with one barbers shop fifty years earlier and that had grown into a beauty business empire, Unisex salons, spas, nail bars and tanning salons.
But she didn’t see her future in hairdressers and beauty salons she wanted to be a Chef.
From day one at the Phoenix she had impressed the owners with her willingness to do absolutely anything that was asked of her and quite a lot of what wasn’t.
Head Chef Jane Cooper and her partner, in every sense of the word, manager Terry O’Neil valued her very highly and believed strongly that she would be a very valuable asset to them in whatever capacity turned out to be her natural bent.
Which is why after nine months Jane asked her if she wanted to train with her as a Chef.
In the early stages it would necessitate her keeping a foot in both camps so to speak and do waitress shifts while she trained but still she jumped at the chance.
(Part 03)
The news came two weeks after the see through blouse incident and she was so happy she wanted to go over to the Bakers and share her news with Nick but halfway there she had second thoughts.
“He probably won’t be interested”
She said to herself but in truth she was still a little embarrassed.
If she had gone into the shop she wouldn’t have found him there anyway, he was over in Northchapel for two days, training staff for the new shop that was opening the following week.
On Saturday night Nick left the Northchapel shop with the new manager Ian Frazer at about 9.00pm and after locking up they went into the Town centre to have a curry before they both headed off.
It was after 11 when he returned to his car and he was absolutely shattered.
He set off and was really looking forward to his bed when he got a puncture, he hadn’t gone more than half a mile.
“Bollocks” He said and pulled over into a convenience layby but when he went to the boot for the spare it was flat and he didn’t have a pump.
He had RAC cover so he could have phoned them but he couldn’t be bothered to wait around for God knew how long.
So he locked the car and walked back into town getting to the station with 15 minutes to spare for the last train to Shallowfield.
It was known as the rattler as it rattled along stopping at what seemed like every station in Downshire.
Antonia was also out that Saturday night celebrating her change of career with some friends in Childean.
And as a certain amount of alcohol had been imbibed with their meal she and her friends were also catching the train home.
Childean however was one of the few stations in the county that the Northchapel rattler didn’t stop at.
Nick was struggling to keep his eyes open as the train rattled its way through the darkness.
He was only two stops from home and if he missed his stop he would end up in Abbottsford for the night.
The train pulled into Purplemere station and came to a stop.
The sliding doors opened and a cool blast of air hit him which perked him up a bit and then a tall blonde giggling girl fell into the carriage and plonked down on the seat opposite him.
And when she had settled and brushed the blonde strands of hair from her face he realized it was Toni.
She was still giggling when he said
“Hello”
It took her a moment to focus on him and then she beamed a smile at him
“It’s you” she said “I’ve been celebrating”
“I can tell” Nick said and smiled
“What were you celebrating?” he added
“I’m going to train as a Chef” she said proudly
“So where did you go?” Nick asked
“The Chinese place in Childean” she slurred
“Oh I see” he said a little puzzled “so how come you got on the train at Purplemere?”
“I got on the wrong train” she admitted and giggled
“Now I understand” he said and laughed
Apparently she had been so busy chatting away with her friends that she got on the train with them.
The problem was they were so tiddly they didn’t notice her mistake until they reached Purplemere.
Nick decided he would take advantage of her inebriated state and tell her how he felt about her.
“You haven’t been in the shop for ages” he said “I’ve missed you”
“I’ve missed my Danish” she said
Not the response he was hoping for in fact he was left a little deflated by her response.
“It’s clear where your priorities lay” he thought to himself
Then she asked
“Did you say you missed me?”
“Yes” he said
“Because you like me buying Danish pastries?”
She asked
“No, because I just like you coming in to see me” he replied
She got up awkwardly and crossed the narrow gap to sit next to him
Just as the train pulled into Shallowfield
“I like you too” she slurred
“Come on” he said and helped her to her feet “or you’ll end up in Abbottsford”
(Part 04)
Once safely off the train he added
“I’ll walk you home”
She only lived about a hundred yards from the station but in her condition he didn’t trust her to make it.
“I like you too” she repeated as he took her arm and steered her through the barrier
“Do you?” he asked doubtfully
“Yes” she insisted as they emerged from the station building
“I really do”
“Hmm” he said
“But I do” she said “Why don’t you believe me?”
“Well” he said as they turned into the end of her road “tiddly Toni might really like me”
“She does, she really does” she said holding on to his arm and looking at him pleadingly
“But when sober Antonia returns she will probably go back to avoiding the shop and walking on the other side of the street”
“No she won’t Nick I promise” She said “She was just embarrassed about you seeing my boobies” she said “That was all”
They had reached her front gate
“Well here we are safely at your front door” Nick said
“Are you going kiss tiddly Toni goodnight?” she asked very childlike
“No I want our first proper kiss to be with sober Antonia”
And he kissed her forehead “I want it to be memorable for both of us”
“Can I see you tomorrow then?”
She asked
“It’s already tomorrow” he replied “and when you get up I can guarantee you won’t want to see me”
“When then?” she asked pathetically
“That’s up to you” Nick replied “You know where to find me”
Nick kissed her on the forehead again and hugged her
“I really hope you like me as much as I do you” he said kissed her one more time and walked away
“Goodnight Toni”
As she watched him walk away she set her jaw resolutely and said
“I’ll show you Nicholas Addison”
Nick meanwhile was hoping he hadn’t blown his chance with her.
It’s just that he wanted her heart and soul and didn’t want something between them to begin with her drunken infatuation based merely on a response of his declaration.
As predicted Antonia was disinclined to see anyone the next day and remained in her room with a killer head and an ice pack.
She also reran the conversation with Nick over and over again.
The first time it made no sense at all but with each subsequent review it became clearer and clearer until she knew what she should do.
On Monday morning Nick opened the shop and was surprised to see Antonia was second in line behind Mrs Mason.
Karen Clarke served Mrs Mason and nick served Antonia.
“Hi Toni” he said
“Good morning Nick” she replied “it’s another beautiful day”
“Yes it is” he responded “do you want your usual?”
“Toni will have her usual Danish but the sober and responsible Antonia Mazzone has come to claim the kiss promised to her in the moonlight”
Everyone in the queue now was watching on in silence.
“Well we here at Addison’s pride ourselves on giving the customers what they want”
And Nick stepped around the counter and approached her
“I hope this will be memorable enough for you” she said as they stood face to face smiling at each other and then they kissed.
It was a long slow and deliberate kiss.
“Tiddly Toni wasn’t lying was she” she whispered when they had finished.
“No she certainly wasn’t” he agreed and kissed her again
“Thank Mr Addison that was quite delicious” she said
“Here if I buy a Danish do I get one of those?” Mrs Mason asked and everyone laughed
“I’m sorry Mrs Mason” he said “Special customers only”
Friday 3 February 2017
Love Collection # 5
FILL ME UP
Without you in my life
My cup is an empty whim
Your love nourishes and fills
Me right up to the brim
ONLY WINDOW DRESSING
Lovely as you are,
Beauty is only window dressing,
Beauty lies within
PERFECT CLARITY
True beauty will only shine
With perfect clarity from
A heart full of kindness
THE FLAME OF PASSION
Promise me that you will
Let the flame of passion always
Burn within your heart
LONG AND LONELY NIGHTS
Without you at my side
All my nights are long and lonely,
And all my days are empty
THE BEAUTY OF HEAVEN
The clouds obscure each star
But the beauty of heavens array
Is just out of sight
VISIBLE IN THE CLARITY
How gently she smiled, with
Love visible in the clarity
Of her perfect green eyes
I COUNT MY BLESSINGS
I count my blessings
I count them twice
I thank the lord
For one so nice
I will always love you
Until the very end
You are my lover
My wife and my friend
ALL MY EGGS IN ONE BASKET
I gave my heart, and put
All my eggs in one basket, but
I have no regrets
YOUR DELICATE HAND
Your delicate hand
Is pale, your finger perfect
To fit the golden band
Without you in my life
My cup is an empty whim
Your love nourishes and fills
Me right up to the brim
ONLY WINDOW DRESSING
Lovely as you are,
Beauty is only window dressing,
Beauty lies within
PERFECT CLARITY
True beauty will only shine
With perfect clarity from
A heart full of kindness
THE FLAME OF PASSION
Promise me that you will
Let the flame of passion always
Burn within your heart
LONG AND LONELY NIGHTS
Without you at my side
All my nights are long and lonely,
And all my days are empty
THE BEAUTY OF HEAVEN
The clouds obscure each star
But the beauty of heavens array
Is just out of sight
VISIBLE IN THE CLARITY
How gently she smiled, with
Love visible in the clarity
Of her perfect green eyes
I COUNT MY BLESSINGS
I count my blessings
I count them twice
I thank the lord
For one so nice
I will always love you
Until the very end
You are my lover
My wife and my friend
ALL MY EGGS IN ONE BASKET
I gave my heart, and put
All my eggs in one basket, but
I have no regrets
YOUR DELICATE HAND
Your delicate hand
Is pale, your finger perfect
To fit the golden band
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.
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.
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