Chapter Ten
The silver band was quite a wealthy one, as it had been established for over eighty years with good assets. The church hall where they rehearsed was owned by them, which they rented to the church, gaining more income. There was parking outside the hall, which is where they kept the three minibuses that were used to take the band here there and everywhere. The band had never owned buses before, hiring them in when required, so it was quite a pleasure for the members to be riding around in brand new luxury. Seat belts, sat nav, air conditioning, power steering, decent stereo, the buses had them all. Each bus took ten passengers, so Roger was able to drive them on his driving licence because they were not being driven for commercial purposes. He had in the meantime driven one round the local roads, satisfying Mr. Thomas and himself that he was more than competent to drive them. He had previously driven in Italy, so driving on the opposite side of the road held no worries for him. It was the night before they left for Belgium, and Roger and Sue were sitting after band rehearsal on their favourite bench overlooking the sea.
‘So, let me ask you a question. Before Thomas and Cedric came along, have I got it right when I say that you didn’t used to go very far afield, Twenty miles at most. The band owns the hall, freehold, and the previous leader, Mr...?’
‘Mr. Johnson,’ Sue answered
‘Mr. Johnson, had been leader for what, quite a few years?’
‘Someone said at least twenty.’
‘And what happened to him, precisely?’
‘We went to rehearsal a few months ago, as usual, and he wasn’t there. Instead we had Rick Thomas and his sidekick Cedric. They explained that Mr. Johnson had been taken ill suddenly, and it was doubtful if he would return.’
‘And is there a Mrs. Johnson?’ asked Roger.
‘Not that we have ever seen, no.’
‘And did Mr. Johnson have a job?’
‘No, he had taken early retirement from his accountancy job, lived all alone, never socialised, his whole life was the band. Why all the questions?’
‘Well, it’s like this.’ Roger paused, gathering his thoughts. ‘Has anyone ever seen Mr. Johnson since his “illness”? Has anyone questioned where these two men come from. Who’s in charge of the band’s finances and assets?’
‘Lots of questions, my love, but why is it bothering you?’
‘You see, Sue, it just doesn’t add up. There are too many unanswered questions, and as for all these extra band trips, playing abroad, they’re a bit sudden, aren’t they?’
‘No, not really,’ said Sue. ‘We have always been keen on improving ourselves, and some of the members have been saying behind Mr. Johnson’s back that we should consider expanding, like other bands. The band pays our expenses, travelling, and it’s a great way to have a lovely free short break.’
‘Talking of which, is the trip to Milan still on?’
‘So I understand,’ said Sue. We are off there in a month’s time. Have you been asked if you fancy going?’
‘Thomas has asked me if instead of flying I fancy driving the bus all the way to Milan, catching the ferry, and then driving to the band festival.’
‘That’s a long way. Are you up for it?’
‘Only if you’re going as well. The experience is all well and good, but it’s a lot of driving for four nights there, and a lot of driving all the way back again.’
‘Well, yes, I have asked mum and dad if I can go, and they have said yes. I do have some savings from last year’s summer job, so I can just afford it, but there won’t be too many for me for much longer, because I go back to college in the autumn.’
‘We’d better make the most of these breaks, then. Imagine what it’s going to be like, making love under the Mediterranean moon, warm as toast, enjoying the days sight-seeing, not forgetting making love under the Italian sun...’
‘If we make love under the Italian sun, it’d better not be too hot, as you’ll burn your back when you’re on top of me.’
‘Who says that I will be on top. I might decide that you will be, and make you.’
‘Huh’, said Sue, I will be in control, and I will decide what position.’
Roger grinned. ‘Let’s call this one a draw, shall we?’
They sat on the bench, not saying anything, arm in arm, content in each others’ company. They both sighed, deeply.