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Tuesday, 13th March 2012, 3.06 p.m.
The phone cut sharply through their riviere. Arthur leapt up to answer it, his nerves still a little raw from the morning’s events. He lifted the receiver.
“Hello Arthur, old chap ...” It went dead. He knew who it was, immediately, but his thoughts and actions failed him, momentarily. Joan came into the dining room to see him staring into space with the phone still held by his ear. James Bond, of course, would have leapt into the fray and done something dramatic and saved the world, or a part of it, in an instant. However, Arthur’s batteries were flat.
“What is it dear?” asked Joan.
“It’s Lord Atkinson, dear. He’s in trouble,” said Arthur.
“The one who ...”
“Yes, the one I met this morning,” said Arthur. “It was a call for help.”
“Well we’d better go and help him then,” said Joan, clapping her hands as a teacher would, to get her pupils into line. Arthur jumped and looked around as if seeing the room for the first time.
“Oh Arthur, you do seem to have run out of poof, don’t you?” Joan said, embracing him. “It’s been a hell of a day ... it’s been a hell of a few weeks, really. And you’ve mastered it all so well. You really are my hero, Arthur. My hero and my love.”
“Oh Joan,” was all Arthur could manage before the tears started rolling. He wanted to embrace her forever, for the world to go away and leave him in peace. Yes, he thought, he did love Joan, this lovely, admiring and supportive woman in his arms. He really must tell her some time.
“Thank you, Joan, thank you,” he said. However, he thought, right now Lord Atkinson needs help of some sort and so one must rally one’s forces. “That’s lovely Joan. But now I must go.”
“Oh no you don’t, Arthur Bayly!” said Joan, standing back with her hands on his shoulders. “You don’t think you’re going to rush off on your charger and leave your poor damsel here, waiting and pining, do you?”
“Uh ...”
“You silly man! I’m coming too!” said Joan cheerfully. “We’re in this together, my lover!”
“Well, if you think ...”
“Too right I think so! Let’s muster our troops, shall we?” said Joan, leading him back into the lounge. “Lord Atkinson needs our help so who wants to join us?” Everyone leapt up as one with fervent cries of assent.
“But, Dottie, are you sure you want to come along?” asked Arthur. “It could be dangerous.”
“Arthur dear, I’ve never had such fun with my clothes on!” said Dottie, laughing. “I may be an old woman but you don’t get rid of me that easy!” Everyone laughed, except Dominik who seemed to be trying to make out what Dottie meant about having her clothes on.
“And you, Toby?” asked Joan.
“I’m only half-armed but most of me works and do you think I’m only here for half the action?” asked Toby. “Besides, I’ve done enough damage so I’d like to make amends if I can.”
“Hang on, Dad,” said Martin quickly. “This is a matter for the police isn’t it? Shouldn’t we call them first, surely?”
“No Martin and I’m sorry but I don’t have time to explain, right now,” said Arthur. “However, Lord Atkinson specifically asked me not to involve the police if at all possible. It seems there’s a leak, an informer, there who is not after our best interests.”
“Right, if you say so, Dad,” said Martin, uncertainly.
“Now, first, Arthur, that file seems to be awfully valuable,” said Dottie. “Shall I hide it in my house in case yours gets raided?”
“Mmm, I hadn’t thought of that. Good idea, Dottie,” said Arthur.
“I’d take my car, Dad, but I have to pick the kids up from the child minder in a few hours and we don’t know how long we’re going to be, do we?” said Martin.
“You’re right, Martin, but why don’t you ring Emily and see if she can pick them up,” said Joan.
“Oh hardly, Mother, I don’t really even know her,” said Martin, looking a little flushed.
“Well, this is one way you could get to know her,” said Joan, smiling impishly. “Look Martin, she wants to help with finding her father and this little excursion could unearth him for her.”
“Look, Mum, I know you only want the best for me but don’t push it. I’m not ready for anyone else yet,” said Martin, his politeness obviously being stretched.
“So, what are you going to do – wander on home, wishing you’d come and helped us out in a sticky situation?” asked Joan.
“Oh, okay, I’ll see if she can help,” said Martin, knowing his mother would not be deterred by obvious obstacles. He called Emily and was surprised that she jumped at the chance to help him out.
“Perhaps you take Dottie when she returns, Martin, along with Toby, who knows the way,” suggested Arthur.
“And I’ll ring Amanda to see if she can help,” said Joan.
“Gosh, yes, grand idea,” said Arthur. “And you, Dominik and I will go in the van.” Dominik visibly brightened at the mention of his name, perhaps fearing being left out. “No Dominik, we’re not going without you!”
“Me good for punish new bad man!” said Dominik, smiling and patting Toby on his good shoulder. Arthur was relieved that Dominik had made friends with Toby and had no lingering hatred or ‘bad man’ thoughts about him.
