Asteroid Patrol

Something a bit different. Bit less romance. Some clues along the way. Loved writing it.

I brought the ship to a halt against the landing bay of headquarters. Once every three months we would return to Space Police HQ for supplies and other changes including picking up probationary officers. This time however Bob was arriving for the last time. He was retiring and I was to be supplied with a new partner. “Well Bob, it’s been a blast.” I held out my hand and he took it.
“You’ve come on a lot since they foisted you on me Dave.” He grinned. “Finally I feel that I can leave you to it, and retire.”
“You deserve a rest; now get going before they change their minds. I’ll tidy up the paper work.”
“Thanks. I got six months leave coming before I retire though. I thought I might look for my special girl.”
“Good luck with that. See you around.” With that he was gone. I sighed. Things were changing and neither of us seemed to fit into the new way of thinking. Bob had been close enough to retirement for them to let him go, but not me. Now I was about to get some product of the academy as a partner. Straight from the classroom into the dirty universe. I shook my head, how was a copper supposed to get experience that way? I was probably going to have to teach him how to run, let alone when. I picked up the last of our paperwork, booked the ship into the service bay, and headed up to the offices.

The captain looked at me with a pitying look. “Come on boss, it can’t be that bad?” I said.
“It depends on your point of view. For you, you get a wet-nosed kid straight from school with no real knowledge of how life works, but the ability to learn. For her…” He nodded out of the window at the young girl sat outside. “Well, she gets the best teacher we have left.”
“How can I be, I’ve never been the senior patrolman?”
“But Bob taught you, and Bob was the best. And not once did he ask for another partner. You took your turn looking after the probationers at the ‘Boonies’, and they all turned out okay. Face it Dave, you are the one of the best. Or the last of the best if you prefer.”
“Okay, pass me her file. The ship will be a day or so in dock, then we’ll see how she is.”
“The ship or the girl?”
“I’ve never worried about Juliet. Bring her in boss; we may as well get started.” The new Officer who was to be my partner, at least for the next few months, came into the office and sat down. She seemed to have a hard look on her face until I looked closer and saw her eyes; they didn’t look hard, they looked apprehensive, a little scared. She reminded me of someone too. “So, Officer M.E. Watson?” She nodded, not taking her brown eyes from my face. “You are aware that the ‘Boonies’ is not a top assignment?”
“Yes, I am, but it is important and immediate. I want to start my career as soon as possible.” She still kept her eyes on me, gauging me.
“An admirable ideal. Although I have your file…” I waved it. “…there are some things I’d like to find out for myself. Meet me down on the firing range in five minutes.”
“Yes sir.”
“You don’t need to call me sir, Officer Watson, Dave will do.”
“Yes s… Dave.” She smiled. The hard look vanished from her face. She got up and left.
“They are sure about her boss? She looks really young and…well, fragile.”
“Don’t let that fool you. She has an amazing pass score from the academy, and she wants to do this.”
“But she has no street smarts Captain.”
“None of you ever have Dave.” He smirked. “That’s why we put you out on the streets with experienced cops. Now go and teach her the first lessons.”

I waited on the firing range for the Officer who was to be my first partner, Dave Baldwin. Our meeting in the Captains office had been short but interesting. I could tell he was worried about what he was taking on and had tried to maintain eye contact and a severe face, but hadn’t managed completely. Dave was a hard man to impress. I would have to try harder. He led me to the range and took out an old twentieth century weapon. “Ever fired a percussion pistol?” He asked conversationally. I shook my head. “More accurate than a blaster, but with a hell of a kick.” He raised the weapon and let off several rounds into the target, tearing big holes in it. “You try.” He said handing me the gun. I felt the weight in my hand, gauging it. I lifted it and pulled the trigger. And missed the target completely. He had been right about the kick. What he hadn’t mentioned was the noise!
“Sorry.” I said. “I wasn’t expecting that. Let me try again.” He nodded. I raised the weapon again, braced myself and fired.
“Excellent Officer Watson. It didn’t take you long to adapt to the weight and the kick.” He took the weapon from me. “However, you failed to ask whether it was legal for me to have such an outmoded weapon.”
“I just assumed it was.”
“Never assume, find out. Your first lesson.”
“Well, is it legal?” He smiled.
“It’s legal for me to have it, yes. Firing it is a different matter though.”
“So we shouldn’t have fired it?”
“Technically, no. So straightaway you have some dirt on me, but you can’t tell anyone because I have some on you too.”
“What are you trying to tell me s… Dave?”
“Trust your partner, often they’re all you’ve got out on the street. Come on, up to the gym next.” He led the way.

I was taken aback a little. This girl had taken hardly any time to adjust to firing my old Colt, and she hadn’t been put out when I told her we had just incriminated ourselves. Next I wanted to see how she could handle herself. I led her to the middle of the gym. “All right Officer Watson, I want you to cuff me, but I’m going to resist. Start when you’re ready.” I had barely finished speaking when she leg swept me. Moments later she had rolled me over and snapped the cuffs on. I couldn’t help smiling as she pulled me to my feet.
“That was all right wasn’t it?” She sounded worried.
“No Officer Watson, that was just perfect. I’m very impressed.” Her lovely smile lit up her features again. I suddenly realised what I’d thought. ‘Lovely Smile’. Better keep a lid on that. “However, I did say I was going to resist.” I hooked her leg and dropped her to the floor, making a grab for her keys as she went past. At this point things started to go awry. My trainees usually wore trousers, but Officer Watson wore a skirt. I caught the skirt at the same time as the keys and with a tearing sound, ripped it up her leg. “Oh damn! Are you all right Officer Watson? I didn’t mean to do that.” I could see all kinds of charges being brought here, but as I knelt beside her, I could see her laughing. She took the keys from me and still laughing, uncuffed me.
“Don’t worry si…Dave. My fault for being slow.” She paused. “Do you have to keep calling me ‘Officer Watson’? My friends call me Emmy.” She held out her hand.
“I’d be honoured to be amongst them.” I shook her hand. Emmy was going to be all right.

For the next few hours Officer Baldwin, Dave, put me through a series of little tests, all designed to make me think. It was all very enlightening, but the main thing I learnt was that Dave cared, not only for whoever his partner was, but also about the people he was protecting, the ‘Boonies’. He wasn’t averse to bending rules if it was necessary and I think that was the main point he was trying to get across. Finally he called a halt and suggested I get some sleep before we returned to his station in the morning.
I hauled my two cases on board his ship and found him waiting for me. “Let me help you with those.” He said, taking the larger case from me. “You are only on a three month assignment you know. It feels like you’ve got enough stuff for at least six here.” He grinned.
“You might know a lot about policing the asteroid belt, but you don’t know much about women Dave.” I laughed. “I’ve left the rest of my stuff in storage.”
“I stand corrected Officer Watson. Sorry, Emmy.” He stowed my cases. “Come on, we need to run the flight checks.” He led me to the cockpit and sat down, indicating I should take the second seat. We went through the checks and then he called the controller. “Juliet Hotel Uniform, requesting permission to depart.”
“Roger Juliet Hotel Uniform, you are cleared to depart. See you in three months Big Dave. And Ron says to take care of Juliet.”
“Thanks Ray. Tell Ron I’ll keep her out of trouble. Out”
“Juliet?” I asked.
“The ship. She’s the last of her type and a bit of a legend with the maintenance crews. Twenty years old and never a problem.” Dave sounded immensely proud of the ship. I hoped I could make him half as pleased of me.
“How long before we reach the ‘Boonies’?” I asked.
“Normally, just over a day, she’s not as quick as the newer ships. It’ll be a bit longer this time though.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to teach you how to fly her.”
“I have a space pilot’s licence you know.”
“I know you do, but Juliet needs special handling. She’s an old lady and can get a little cranky.” He smiled. I loved his smile. I realised that was an inappropriate thought and shut it out. “But I’ve no doubt you’ll soon pick up on her little foibles.”

We arrived at the ‘Boonies’, a mining township built into an asteroid on the edge of the belt, in a little less than 36 hours. I had been expecting to take longer to give Emmy time to get used to Juliet, but she picked it up in no time. The girl was amazing! As long as she was shown what to do carefully, she had no problems. I wondered what would happen if I just told her to get on with some task, without telling her how to do it. It would probably take her an extra ten minutes I thought. I would have been jealous if she hadn’t been so amiable. Now I eased Juliet into her docking bay at our station. “Juliet Hotel Uniform, docking complete. Nobby, get the coffee on.”
“Who’s Nobby?” Emmy asked.
“He’s the tech for our station. Mechanics mainly, but he’s not a bad doctor either. And he looks after Elsie.”
“And she…”
“Elsie is the station mechanoid. LC15. Version 4 now I think. They’re the only ones on station at the moment. We are supposed to get a pair of probationers next month.”
“You mean another pair. I’m only a probationer too you know.”
“I suppose you are. But I think you may be destined for greater things Officer Watson. Now grab your gear and I’ll introduce you to the rest of my team.”
I led her into our ramshackle little station. Nobby met me with a smile and a mug of coffee. “Welcome home Big Dave. Everything okay?”
“Thanks Nobby.” I took the mug. “No problems. Things all right in the town?”
“Bit of a do in one of the bars last night, but Elsie sorted it out. Who’s the totty?”
“The totty, as you so indelicately put it, is Officer Watson, my new partner. Emmy, this is Nobby. I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to his crudeness.”
“Pleased to meet you Nobby.” Emmy held out her hand. Nobby shook it.
“Watcha love. How d’you like your coffee?”
“White, no sweetener.”
“Coming up in a jiff darlin.”
“Where’s Elsie?”
“Recharging. She’s been a bit busy while you’ve been gone.” Nobby said, disappearing.
“She’ll be busy for a while more until I can get Officer Watson up to speed.”
“Excuse me, I do know what I’m doing you know?”
“I don’t doubt it for a minute, but I’m not letting you out on your own until I think you’re ready, so you’ll have to be patient for a couple of days.” She turned and stomped off.
“That sounded a bit mean.” Nobby reappeared beside me, another mug in his hand.
“It was meant to be. We both know that the township isn’t going to just accept someone as pretty as her as a lawman. Now take her that drink and show her where she’s bedding down. I’m going to check Elsie’s reports.”

I suppose that I was a bit upset that Dave wouldn’t let me patrol on my own straight away, but the first time he took me out onto the streets of the ‘Boonies’ later that evening, I realised why. The people of this town were tough, no nonsense miners who would exploit a perceived weakness in the law out of habit rather than any actual desire to be bad. No one took advantage of ‘Big Dave’ as they called him, and in return he turned a blind eye to some of the minor lawbreaking. “Why do they call you ‘Big Dave’?” I asked after the fourth person we met greeted him so.
“Simple. When I arrived here the first time, there was already a Dave on station. He was just ‘Dave’. I happened to be taller than him; otherwise I’d have been ‘Little Dave’.” He mused for a moment. “It might be interesting if a taller Dave was posted here, he’d probably become ‘Bigger Dave’.” This seemed to amuse him. I thought it was a bit childish, and not that funny at all.
We had been strolling around the township for about two hours when Elsie called us. “Disturbance reported at McLeary’s Bar. Fixtures broken. Please attend.” Dave told her that we were on our way. After five minutes we were outside the bar. There was obviously a fight of some sort going on inside. Dave pulled out his nightstick and began to move to the door.
“Dave.” I held his arm. “Can I deal with this? I know I can do it.” He looked at me and sighed.
“Okay Emmy. If you think you can handle this, go ahead.” He moved to one side and let me pass. “I’ll be outside if you need help.”
I strode into the centre of the bar, striking my nightstick on a table to gain the protagonists attention. “Come on boys, there’s no need for this.” I said in my best authorative voice. I was mildly amazed that they listened to me. Except for one guy who had obviously had more to drink than the others.
“I ain’t lissenin to some snot-nosed kid wiv a badge. You wants me to stop, you come and stop me.” Sighing I put my stick back into my belt.
“Sir, may I ask you to reconsider your position?”
“No!” With that he ran at me. I sidestepped and tripped him, handcuffing him almost before he hit the ground. There was a ripple of applause from the rest of the patrons and as I lifted my first prisoner to his feet I saw Dave joining in from the doorway.
“You were there the whole time?” I asked. He was looking at me strangely.
“Only in the door.” He shook himself. “And it was you who stopped Little Rick without resorting to guns or even sticks. He might have a bit of a job living that down.”
“I didn’t want to humiliate him.”
“He’ll get over it. Might do him a bit of good too. He’ll be famous.”
“Famous for what?”
“First prisoner of a female Officer in the ‘Boonies’.” Dave smiled. “Come on, let’s get him back to the station. Nobby and Elsie have some news for us anyway.”

“Lafarge is back in town.” Nobby said with a sigh. He pointed at a monitor showing one of the minor docking bays.
“You sure it’s him?” I said, peering closely at the blurred image.
“Elsie confirms visual recognition.”
“Who is this guy?” Emmy asked. “Why is it a big deal he’s here?”
“Bob ran Lafarge out of town about five years back.” I replied. “Lafarge was up to something big and bad, but Bob couldn’t prove it. Lafarge got drunk one night and Bob had him sent away on one of the ore ships with a note telling him not to come back.”
“Why has he returned now then?”
“He’s found out Bob’s gone, so he figures he can come and finish what he started. That’s my guess anyway.” I shrugged.
“So, what are we going to do about it?” Emmy looked sharply at me.
“We are not going to do anything except keep our eyes and ears open until we find out what he’s up to. I never agreed with Bob acting without proof, so we will wait.”
That’s what we did for the next three weeks. I sent Emmy out on the daytime patrols with either Elsie or Nobby and took the night patrols myself. I told Emmy to note down everything she saw or was told, any information might end up being vital. The two new probationers, Brown and Rodriguez, arrived after the three weeks, and after a short course on the ‘Boonies’ I felt confidant enough in the two of them as a pair to let them take over the daytime patrols. This meant that Emmy was with me for the night work, when I felt there was more chance of Lafarge either breaking cover or attempting whatever it was that he was here for. I noticed on our first night patrol together that she had seamlessly fitted into the rhythm of the township. People would nod to her, or call her by name. I felt sure it had taken me longer to fit in than this.
We had another six days of nothing much happening. Then, as Emmy and I returned to the station she pulled a piece of paper out of her breast pocket.
“Now how did that get there?” She looked at it puzzled.
“What does it say?” I asked.
“How do you know it says anything?”
“I recognise the style. Someone wants us to know something, but doesn’t want to be seen telling us. So a bit of reverse pick-pocketing leaves us with the info.”
“Why give it to me though, I might have thrown it away.”
“Whoever it was wanted the chance to get close to you I suppose.” I smiled. I almost laughed out loud at the shudder she gave when she thought about what I’d said. “Come on, read it out Emmy.” She unfolded the paper and quickly scanned it.
“It says that someone intends to rob the bank tomorrow night.”
“Does it say who?”
“No. So it might not be our boy.”
“I think it is. There’s a lot in the bank at the moment. Come on, let’s brief the others and sort out a plan. Better call HQ as well, even though they can’t really get anyone to us in time.” I led her into the station and we began to make our plans.

Dave sorted everyone out, stationing the two new officers away from the bank but close enough to get there quickly. He and I were inside the bank with Elsie, waiting for whoever it was who was going to try and break in. Nobby was back at the station, watching the monitors, particularly the ones around the bank. I couldn’t help but watch Dave as he prowled the floor of the bank. He was an easy man to like, but he seemed distant. It was probably for the best I thought. Around midnight we heard a noise coming from below the vault. Dave and I looked at each other and then at Elsie.
“A mark five mining drill is being used to access the vault from below.” She reported.
“How does she know that?” I asked.
“Elsie knows what every drill sounds like, she’s been at the ‘Boonies’ for such a long time.” Dave replied. He called the station. “Nobby. Something’s happening in the vault. Anything on the monitors?”
“Nothing that I can see Big Dave. Want me to come over?”
“No. Stay there, but alert Brown and Rodriguez to be ready. Emmy and I will handle it from here.” He sounded confidant, but I wasn’t sure. This seemed like a well organised job. “Come on Emmy, let’s go and see who’s calling.” He flashed me a brief smile. It looked like he was enjoying this.
“What about Elsie?”
“She’s not great at creeping about. We’ll leave her here to cover this way out.” With that he started down to the vault. A little nervously I followed him.
Outside the big steel doors we could hear the drill working away inside. Using hand signals he indicated that we should open the vault. As quietly as possible we inched the doors apart and peered in. The room was filling with dust from the drill as it ate its way through the vault floor. “Wait until they’re inside, then we’ll nab them.” Dave whispered. I nodded in acknowledgement. I could just make out the tip of the drill breaking through. After a few moments it stopped. In the sudden silence we could hear voices below. Dave held up two fingers, indicating he could hear two people. I shook my head and held up three fingers. After a brief wait Dave nodded and held up three fingers as well. He slowly drew his blaster. I followed suit. We slipped quietly into the dark dust filled room, keeping our backs to the wall. Then it happened. I was never sure afterwards whether it was me or Dave who nudged something metallic lying on the floor, but the sound of it rolling across the floor seemed really loud in the vault. There was a cry of ‘Run for it!’ from below. Dave ran to the hole calling for them to halt. As he reached the edge he fired down into it. A blaster beam came from below in return. It caught Dave’s leg and he dropped to the floor holding it. I was about to drop into the hole to give chase when Dave caught my arm. “NO! It’s too dangerous.”
“But they’re getting away!”
“Doesn’t matter. We stopped them stealing anything. Now get the others here, all of them. When Nobby and Elsie get here you can take the other two down the hole and see where it goes.” He was talking through clenched teeth. I looked at his wound. It didn’t look good.
“Hell that looks bad! What should I do to help?”
“Turn the lights on for a start.” Suddenly Elsie was with us. She tore open the leg of his trousers and looked around for something to bandage it with. I took off my uniform blouse and handed it to her. I had my lightweight body armour on beneath it.
“That looks amazingly sexy.” Dave smiled, and then passed out.

When I came around I was back at the station, a med-machine strapped to my damaged leg. “Nobby!” I called out. He scurried in.
“You’re awake then?”
“Apparently. Fill me in.”
“Well, you’ll need to stay off that leg for at least two weeks while the machine…”
“I didn’t mean that and you know it. What have they found at the bank?” Nobby sighed.
“They aren’t back yet. Emmy called to say the tunnel came out in Alpha section.”
“The mainly empty area belt-side of town?”
“Yeah. They were going to have a bit of a poke around. She said they’d be back in about half an hour.” I lay back down and looked at the ceiling.
“I think I messed up Nobby. I was trying to show off in front of Officer Watson, being cool and calm, but I blew it and got blasted. What sort of idiot am I?”
“The normal sort I reckon Big Dave.” Nobby grinned. “You ain’t the only one you know. Half the town is trying to impress her.”
“The male half?” I couldn’t help but smile.
“Bingo!”
“Well I saw her first.” I said, sticking my tongue out. I was trying to make a joke out of it, but in a way I was serious. It was obvious that I was deeply taken by this youthful, exuberant but professional girl. “Is Elsie about? I want her to transcribe my report so we can send them all off together, assuming the other three have already done theirs.”
“They went straight down the hole after I arrived, so I doubt it.”
“Well, I’ll do mine anyway. They can do them when they get back. Call me when they are.”
“Sure. And Boss?”
“Yes Nobby?”
“Lay off the self recrimination will you? At least until your leg is healed.”
“I’ll try Nobby, I’ll try.”

The search had been a complete waste of time. Brown, Rodriguez and I had found nothing but an empty tunnel except for the abandoned mark five drill. There was a hint of a smell of scorched flesh, so it seemed that Dave had managed to hit one of them. I put it all in my report when I got back to the station, including the fact that it may have been me that made the noise that alerted the robbers. Apparently Dave had done the same thing. He seemed really down when I went to talk to him, but somehow I managed to cheer him up. I had to; it was very unsettling to see him so full of doubt. I told myself that the station needed him as the strong, resourceful leader, but the truth was that I couldn’t bear the thought that his injury may be my fault, that I had caused him pain.
The next couple of weeks were difficult for all of us as we had to reorganise everything so that the three fit officers and Elsie could continue our patrols. Headquarters sent two other Officers; Wright, a recent probationer and Grainger, a total newbie, so we had to change everything again and also include a patrol with Juliet to the front of the asteroid belt. Dave sent me and Wright on that, mainly because my time at the ‘Boonies’ was nearly up and I was to report to Headquarters after the patrol. I managed to keep my feelings to myself as I said goodbye to Dave, but he looked down again. It was a four day trip along the belt, and then another two days back to HQ. All the time I was worrying about what I was going to say to the Captain when we got there. I knew Dave had put in a good report about me, and when I took the ‘Boonies’ assignment the Captain had said I was practically guaranteed a better posting. The problem was, I didn’t want a different posting. I liked the rough and ready town and its citizens and I liked working with Dave, but how was I going to tell the Captain that the supposed ‘Poster Girl’ didn’t want the fast track to the top.
I was still worrying when we docked. Juliet was taken to be given her once over, Officer Wright went to grab some more of his gear and I slowly made my way to the Captains office. He opened the door for me and bade me to sit. “You want to stay at the ‘Boonies’ don’t you?”
“How can you tell sir?”
“I’ve got pretty good at reading faces in the last thirty years.”
“I don’t want to disappoint you sir, but I feel that the ‘Boonies’ is where I belong. And I have a case to solve.” The captain smiled.
“You remind me of someone else you know? Ten years ago another bright spark went to the ‘Boonies’ and never wanted to leave.”
“Dave?” I asked.
“Dave.” He nodded. “And twelve years before that, the man who married your mother, your father.”
“How did you find that out?” I gasped. “I never told anyone Bob was my father.”
“I’m a policeman, I find things out. Just because you use your mothers name instead of your fathers.”
“I did that so dad wouldn’t find out I wanted to be a cop too. Especially after mom died so young and he asked her parents to bring me up.”
“You nearly walked into him when he retired you know?”
“Yes, I waited until he said goodbye to you before I came up.”
“I won’t stand in your way if you want to stay at the ‘Boonies’.” He sighed. “It’s more in your blood than anyone else’s; it’s where you were born.”
“I sort of knew that.” I held out my hand. “Thank you captain, for understanding.” He shook my outstretched hand. “Can I ask you not to spread around the fact that Bob was my dad?”
“Not a problem, any reason?”
“I just want a little time being myself before I become ‘Bob’s Daughter’. One more thing. Don’t let Dave know I’m staying on. I want to surprise him. He’s the other reason I want to stay at the ‘Boonies’.”
“Okay, all right. Now go away before you start running the entire department.” He laughed. I grinned too and then went to start moving all of my stuff onto Juliet for the trip back to the ‘Boonies’.

I was on my first patrol since the med-machine came off my leg. I was with Officer Grainger. She seemed to be a capable enough girl, but a little timid. I asked her what her first name was. “Stacey, but most people I know call me ‘Stace’.”
“That’s a nice name Stace. What are your ambitions in the force?”
“Well, I don’t think I’m cut out to be a street patrolman, so I’d quite like to be a pilot.” I smiled.
“We’ll see what you’re like with Juliet sometime. If you can handle her, I’ll recommend you become her pilot if you want to stay at the ‘Boonies.”
“Thank you sir. That would be lovely.” Her eyes shone.
“It’s all right.” I smiled at her enthusiasm. “And you don’t have to call me sir.”
“I’ll try not to sir.” She giggled. “Sorry, it may be harder than I thought.”
“As long as you’re trying.” I laughed. Nobby called me up.
“Big Dave, Juliet is on approach. Thought you might like to know.”
“Thanks, we’ll be back in about half an hour.”
Nobby met me with a bigger smirk than usual on his face. “Well, who have they sent?” I asked.
“Under orders mate. You gotta find out for yourself.” His grin grew wider. Mildly annoyed, I started towards the landing bay. I saw Nobby whispering to Stacey.
“Really?” She exclaimed. I shook my head and strode off towards where Juliet was docked.
There was a pile of four or five cases stood next to the ship. “Bloody hell Wrighty, I thought you said only one case?”
“I did only pick one up Big Dave.” He said, coming up behind me. “Those are all hers.”
“Hers?” I was surprised they’d sent another female newbie.
“Hey! Can someone give me a hand with this?” A voice called from within Juliet, a voice I knew. I ran onto the ship.
“Emmy! What the hell?”
“Hi Dave.” She sounded cheerful. I looked at her, puzzlement spreading across my face. Surely she could have got a better posting than the ‘Boonies’? She saw my look.
“They told me I could have any posting I wanted, and I fancied this one.”
“But why Emmy? You were supposed to be the next big thing. Why chuck that away to come back here?”
“Apparently I’m not the first highly regarded student to fall under the spell of the ‘Boonies’.” She said with a twinkle in her eye. I went red. “Anyway, I have other reasons besides liking it here. I was born here, so it’s where I belong.”
“All right, okay.” I sighed. “It’s your career.”
“Good. That’s all sorted then. So when are we going to make a proper search for Lafarge?”

It took another couple of days before everything was sorted to Dave’s satisfaction. One of the first things he did was take Officer Grainger for a short patrol in Juliet. On their return he pronounced her a natural pilot and put in a request for another street officer. At the same time he asked for the special squad to be put on standby for the next two days, while we made our search for Lafarge. He split us up into two teams of three. I was with Brown and Rodriguez again, while Dave had Wright and Elsie with him. Nobby and Grainger were on the monitors back at the station. My team were going to check a number of warehouses and old docking bays now abandoned because they were at risk from ‘asteroid rub’ when smaller parts of the belt crashed into the rock that the ‘Boonies’ was carved out of. Dave took his pair to check out the area Brown, Rodriguez and I had searched that first time. When I asked why, he said that different eyes see different things and maybe there was something we had missed. I was a bit put out by this, feeling that maybe Dave didn’t trust us fully. Nobby told me it was all in my head.
The three of us had checked several of the old warehouses and one docking bay and found nothing. No prints in the dust, no oddly locked doors, no carelessly dropped clue, nothing. “Next one guys.” I said. Brown and Rodriguez made for the door. I was about to follow them when something, a tiny anomaly, caught my eye. I crouched down to get a better look. “Carry on, I’ll catch up.” I called as they turned around when they realised that I wasn’t following them. They nodded and exited. What had hooked my attention was a series of dust ridges near the far wall that seemed to have formed for no apparent reason. I looked up and there seemed to be an anomalous machine of some sort. I turned around and saw that there was a disguised entrance into the warehouse. This must be the place Lafarge was using as a hideout!
Suddenly, before I could call up reinforcements, I was grabbed from behind and my radio torn from me. The machine above me was an anti-grav lift. It was what had caused the ridges in the dust. Now someone had used it to get behind me. I was cuffed with my own handcuffs and pushed towards the centre of the warehouse where I was surrounded by three men. “Good work Porter.” The obvious leader said to the man behind me. It was Lafarge!
“The others will come back for me.” I said defiantly. “Give up now Lafarge.”
“Feisty, aren’t you?” He sneered before slapping me across the face hard. “We’ll have to be quick then.”
“What… what are you going to do to me?”
“I’m not going to rape you, if that’s what’s worrying you, but I am going to hurt you. One of you coppers burnt me and you’re going to pay for that.” He slapped me three times more. I staggered and had to be held upright. He aimed a punch at my stomach. I was winded slightly but Lafarge hurt his knuckles on my body armour. Annoyed, he tore open my uniform shirt and attempted to pull the armour away. When it wouldn’t give Lafarge nodded at his other henchman who produced a wicked looking blade and began to try to cut the straps holding it. He was having trouble so Lafarge grabbed the blade from him and deftly slashed the holding straps on one side and then jerked the armour away, revealing the basque I wore to protect myself from the armour rubbing me. His eyes glinted evilly, as if he was changing his mind about what he was going to do.
“Boss, they’re coming back.” The guy behind me suddenly said urgently.
“Pity.” He muttered and then slashed at my stomach with the knife, slicing through the thin material and cutting me. I screamed in pain and was then clubbed into unconsciousness from behind.

Rodriguez called me up, saying that Emmy had been attacked. I began to run towards the location he gave, ordering Nobby to get the little wagon to her at once. “And bring my colt.” I said coldly. This time I wanted to be sure I was going to get Lafarge, because I knew this was his doing. Wright, Elsie and I arrived at about the same time as Nobby and the rescue wagon. My heart sank when I saw the blood on the floor of the warehouse. There was so much. I saw the bruises on her pretty face too and my anger rose. “Nobby get her back to the station at once. You have my gun?” He passed it over, unsure that he should.
“Are you certain that you should take it Dave?”
“Look at her Nobby. Do you think I care about rules concerning someone who would do that?”
“No, I don’t suppose you do. I just wish I could help you.”
“Just take care of her.” I looked at the others. They all looked worried, especially as they hadn’t seen me lose my temper like this before. Only Bob had, and that was only once. “You three, find out where they went. Now!” They scattered and began to look around.
“Dave, over here.” Brown called out quickly. “There’s some sort of door here.”
“Okay, we’re coming. Nobby, get going.” With a nod he was gone, taking the injured Emmy with him.
The door led out onto a street, a street with footprints. We followed the prints towards a house. “Wright, take Brown and Rodriguez around the back and cut off the escape route. I’ll take Elsie with me.”
“What are you going to do Dave?” He asked, eyeing the colt in my hand.
“Flush them out of course. Now go.” They jogged off around the rear of the building.
“Elsie, go to full record mode.”
“Acknowledged.” The drone said. I walked up to the door of the house and inched it open. Carefully I entered. Three men, one of them Lafarge, scattered we they saw me.
The two accomplices ran toward the back door, Lafarge went upstairs.
“Wright, two coming your way. I’m going after Lafarge.” I moved towards the foot of the stairway but was halted by a blaster beam hitting the floor at my feet. “Lafarge? Surrender now, you can’t get away.” The only answer I got was another blaster beam. I moved to one side, trying to get him in my sights. He moved to take another shot at me and I fired the colt twice, hitting him in the shoulder. He fell to the floor groaning.
“What sort of weapon is that?” He called down. “A blaster would have taken my arm off.”
“I know, that’s why I’m using it. I want you alive to take your punishment. Give up now.”
“Never!” He fired again, just missing me. I took careful aim and fired again. The bullets hit him in the head.
“Damn! I wanted him alive.”
“You gave him ample time to desist. I have it all recorded.”
“Thank you Elsie, we’ll have to see what the captain says.” Wright called me.
“Dave. We have the other two. What’s happening in there?”
“Lafarge is dead. One of you come and stand by the body. Take the other two back to the station. Elsie will wait here as well. I’m going back to the station.” I turned and nodded to Elsie and then began to jog back to base.
On my way back Stacey called up sounding worried. “Sir, there are a lot of people on the streets looking angry. I’ve called in the special squad. Is that right?”
“We probably didn’t need them. I’ll sort it out in a minute.” At the station entrance I met Arnie the mayor.
“What’s up Big Dave?” He asked.
“We’ve had an incident in Alpha section. Lafarge attacked Emmy. He’s dead. Can you get everyone to calm down? The special squad is on its way and we don’t want them blundering around making a bad situation worse.” I took him to one side. “Arnie, I killed him with a weapon I shouldn’t have. Things may go badly for me, but I don’t want you lot taking the law into your own hands. What will happen will happen please?” He nodded and went to talk to the township.
Nobby had bandaged Emmy up and was bathing her face when I found them. “Is she going to be all right?” I asked, unable to control the tremor in my voice.
“She’ll make it boss. She’s a toughie.”
“Good.” I relaxed. “Take the wagon and get Wright and the body. Brown and Rodriguez should be here soon with their prisoners. I want everyone to make their reports as soon as possible; we need to screw this down quickly.” He nodded and left. I sat with Emmy, holding her hand, brushing the hair from her eyes. Stacey came in.
“How is Officer Watson?”
“She’ll make it.”
“I’m sorry, I panicked before. I wasn’t sure what the people on the streets were up to.”
“You did everything correctly Stace. Just make your report please.” She looked worried. “Rumours spread throughout this town really quickly, they must have heard about Emmy and wanted to help, but you weren’t to know that, you haven’t been here long enough to understand.”
“They wanted to help Emmy?” I nodded.
“She’s become quite popular. Now go and do as I ask.” She turned and left, leaving me alone with Emmy again.

I came around slowly. My body was aching, but I felt someone holding my hand. I carefully opened my eyes and saw Dave. He smiled as he saw I was awake. “How do you feel Officer Watson?” He asked quietly.
“Like I’ve been beaten up. What happened?”
“You were jumped. Brown and Rodriguez saved you from anything worse.”
“And after?”
“I got him Emmy. Lafarge is gone. I shot him.”
“You didn’t want to though?”
“No, I wanted him alive. He gave me no choice. I shot him with the colt.”
“But that means you’re in trouble, right?”
“I knew the consequences, now I’ll have to face up to them.”
“What will happen?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t really care as long as you’re alive. The captain and the special squad will be here shortly, I’ll find out then.”
“But they can’t arrest you can they?”
“I broke the law.” He shrugged. “Of course they can.”
“I won’t let them.” I tried to sit up, but he pushed me back down.
“No. All you have to do is get better. Rest, let the med-machine work on your wound. This town may need you.” He stood. “I’d better go and meet the captain and turn myself in.” He turned and called. “Stacey, Elsie, make sure she stays here. And thank you for your support.”
“Dave, don’t leave me. I love you. You were the reason I came back.”
“I love you too Emmy, and I was more glad than I let on when you came back, but I broke the law and I won’t run away from that.” I started to cry as he left.
“Dave, don’t…” But he was gone.

I left Emmy in the med bay. I heard her start to cry but couldn’t bring myself to turn back. I picked up all the reports and the colt and strode into the landing bay to wait for the captain. Wright, Brown and Rodriguez were back out on the streets, keeping things calm, with help from Arnie. They were all good lads and I hoped I’d get the chance to tell them that. The special squad ship docked and they disembarked. “A wasted journey guys, I’m afraid.” I said, telling them that things were under control now. I went over to the captain and handed him the reports. He looked at me bemused as I placed the colt and my badge on top of them. “I place myself in your custody sir. I will take whatever punishment you see fit.”
“For a riot that didn’t happen? What are you talking about?”
“I think you better read the reports first sir.” I led him to our office and sat with him as he read about what had gone on. He called for Elsie and I left the room as he reviewed her recordings of the events. I looked out of the front of the station and saw that there were a number of people just standing around and waiting. They looked unhappy. Nobby came up beside me.
“They’re worried.” He said.
“About Emmy?”
“Partly, but mainly they’re worried for you boss. Don’t you realise how much you mean to some of them?”
“I do?” I was genuinely surprised. I’d always got on well with everyone, but I thought I was just the law to them, bloody-minded lawbreakers to a man. “I’d better have a word with them. I don’t want them doing anything stupid.”
“Don’t bother. They know you wouldn’t want that. They just want to hear any news, good or bad, as soon as possible.” He led me toward the med bay. “Emmy has something she wants to say to you.”
“I’m not sure…”
“Well we are. Go and talk. If the captain wants you, he’ll know where to find you.”

He came in a little reluctantly, as if he was scared about his emotions. I asked him to sit. He did so without saying a word. It was strange; I’d never seen him like this. “What is it you want to tell me?” He asked suddenly, catching me off guard.
“I have a secret that I’ve never told anyone. The captain found out, but I asked him to keep quiet.”
“You’re not my secret sister or something are you?” It was a half-hearted joke.
“Please Dave; I’m trying to tell you something important. You might even hate me for it after I tell you.”
“Sorry Emmy.” He paused. “What does the ‘M.E.’ stand for anyway?”
“It’s Michelle Elizabeth if you must know.”
“Bob told me he had a daughter called Michelle.” He mused.
“Dave!” I was exasperated with the way he kept butting in. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Bob is my dad.” I practically shouted it. He just looked at me amusedly, as if he’d known all along.
“So why would I hate you for that. Bob and I were friends. I suspect I know more about him than you.”
“You knew?”
“Like I said, we were partners for a long time. We had to talk about something. He showed me pictures of you growing up. You haven’t changed that much.” He smiled. “I was a bit surprised when you turned up to replace him though. The name threw me for a while, until I saw you in action in the bar. That was pure Bob.”
“I…I don’t know what to say. I wanted to tell you when you’d accepted me as an officer in my own right, not as the daughter of someone you looked up to.” I was nearly crying again. This wasn’t how I’d wanted it to be. Dave came and sat on the bed next to me, taking my hand.
“Don’t cry Emmy. I fell in love with you before I realised who you were. Nothing will change that. I was waiting for you to tell me everything before I told you that. Dumb, huh?”
“But now I could lose you.”
“Even if they go to the extreme it wouldn’t be for long, and I don’t regret what I did after I saw what Lafarge did to you, what he could have done to you. Will you wait for me?” I nodded. He got up. “Good, because I can hear the captain calling me. Wait for me here?” With that he was gone once more.

I could see the look on the captain’s face as I entered the office. He was troubled. “Just tell me boss. I know what I did was wrong.” He pulled himself together and sat.
“Officer Baldwin, after reviewing all the reports and seeing the LC unit’s recording I have had to come to a difficult decision.”
“Sorry sir.”
“Will you shut up and let me finish? The use of extreme force was warranted, but you used an unauthorised weapon. For that you will receive a permanent reprimand on your record. That means you cannot be promoted.”
“Thank you sir, I appreciate the position I put you in. You have to be seen to do something and I’m happy to accept your punishment.” He sagged in relief.
“Thanks Dave. But that still leaves me with a problem. They want to expand the ‘Boonies’ station to a hub for the asteroid belt. That means putting a sergeant in charge. I wanted you, but now the highest you can rise is to senior patrolman.”
“If that’s the only problem, I think I know someone who could do the job.” He looked at me quizzically. “Officer Watson. She fitted in here straightaway, and the people on the street earlier were there because they care about her. Emmy will make a fine sergeant. Especially as we both know who her father is.”
“She told you?”
“Just a moment ago.” I grinned. “But I’d worked it out anyway.”
“Would you have any problem taking orders from her?” He seemed concerned.
“No sir. In fact, I was toying with the idea of asking her to marry me, so being told what to do by Emmy won’t be a problem.” I grinned. The captain grinned back.
“Then why are you here and not in the med bay asking her?”
“On my way now sir!” I stood and shook his hand.
“And tell her she’s promoted as well.” He called after me.

Dave came back to my bedside, a grin on his face. I looked up with reddened eyes and began to hope again. “Tell me.” I said.
“The good news, the bad news or the really bad news?” He said cockily.
“Just tell me you annoying sod. The good news obviously.”
“It seems I’m going to be stuck here as a senior patrolman after all. Permanent reprimand.”
“That’s the good news? Then I don’t want to hear the rest.”
“Sorry, under orders. The bad news is that we’re getting a woman sergeant put in charge of the ‘Boonies’.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Why? It’s you, you fool!”
“Me? But I’ve only been here five minutes.”
“Seems the senior patrolman recommended you. The really bad news is you have to decide what name you’re gong to use and I know you hate unimportant decisions.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, are you using your name, Bob’s name, or…” He leant in close and kissed me for the first time. “Or are you going to use mine?”
“Is that some sort of proposal?”
“Yes, yes it is. I can do it properly later on, when you’re recovered, if you like.” I laughed and hugged him.
“That won’t be necessary. Now we just need to find dad to give me away.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem if he’s half the policeman we think he is. He left to find you, so it shouldn’t be to long before he turns up.” I hugged him again. Tighter this time, not wanting to let him go.

“Nobby! Where are you? I need help with this damn tie.” He appeared looking somewhat out of breath and covered in lipstick. “What..?” I exclaimed.
“Sorry.” He said, rubbing the stuff from his face. “I was just talking to the bridesmaid.”
“Stacey did that? She’s not so timid now then?”
“She may be more than I can handle Dave.”
“Tough!” I laughed. “Maybe that’ll teach you a lesson.”
Bob came in beaming. “Dave, I just want to say that Michelle is very lucky to have you. You’re a good man.”
“Thanks Bob, that means a lot to me. And I know I’m the lucky one. I’m sorry I couldn’t ask you to be best man, but you’re otherwise engaged.”
“True.” He laughed. “It’s not the only job I’ve got today. The captain wants me to teach street work at the academy.”
“Smart man, the captain. He knows you’re the best. Now I better get to the magistrates and wait for you and Emmy.”
“Emmy?”
“It’s what your daughter asked me to call her.”
“That was what I called her mother.”
“I didn’t know. I’ll stop if it causes you grief.”
“No. It’s fine son. She has so much of her mother in her. Now get going. It’s supposed to be the bride who turns up late.”
There seemed to be an interminable amount of photographs. I fidgeted through them, waiting until I could take the beautiful girl in white next to me away. “Nearly done.” She whispered in my ear.
“Emmy, I don’t suppose you’re wearing that sexy body armour still.” I whispered back in devilment.
“No, but you should see what I am wearing instead.” She grinned back, waggling her eyebrows. That did it. I scooped her up in my arms and ran down the steps.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Bob called out.
“Sorry!” I called over my shoulder. “An urgent investigation just popped up. See you back here in a week!” Emmy kissed me and giggled.
“I suppose I’m the lead officer in this investigation.”
“No. But I think you’ll be to busy to notice that.” I kissed her again. “Sergeant.”

The Moment 2010

Becoming an annual event



This year’s moment. Not the Vulcan this year, although she was awesome whenever I saw her. My favourite pic of the year has to be the Spitfire T.9 at Waddington with the pyro’s going off behind her.



The moment of the year though was something special. Third on my list was the four-ship of Hurricanes at Duxford’s Battle of Britain show.





Second was the opposition passes by the BBMF’s Spitfire and the Typhoon at RIAT.




But the moment of 2010 was the sight of sixteen Spitfire’s (Actually 15 and a Seafire.) in formation again at the BoB show at Duxford.




The whole show was brilliant. But the Spitfire display was just mind-blowing. From the sound of all of them waiting to take off in front of us, to the sixteen ship pass to the sky full of diving, weaving, climbing Spit’s to the final solo display of MH434. I doubt I’ll ever see anything as wonderful again.



My Pictures. More on my Flickr photostream

Star Songs

Part three. Possibly the last part, maybe not. Could be easy to add to if the right idea comes along


Interviewer: With the successful release of ‘More Dirty Work’ I’m at the home of Karen Carragher and Dave Gerrard to discuss the difficult path to making what has turned out to be an astonishingly successful sequel. It started with the announcement of the film that re-united the pair, on screen and in real life, and a pair of statements.
Dave Gerrard: Yes, that was all Karen’s doing. I had no idea about the testimonial she made, but I’m happy she did. It showed all those people who thought ‘how can that lucky sod two-time such a beautiful wife’ that I hadn’t. And it was very brave of Karen to stand up and say what she did. Like I said, I’m glad she did.
Karen Carragher: Well, I’m glad you wrote me that note. (Hugs Him)
DG: (Smiles). It could have backfired monstrously on me though. Nevertheless, I moved back to our home that very day, but something was still not quite right between us.
KC: We had been apart for eighteen months. We had to rediscover each other.
DG: I didn’t mind that. Something was niggling away at me. I knew what it was as well. Partly it was the fact that I had dented Karen’s perception of me as being, well, perfect, I suppose. But mostly it was my own feelings that I had let her down, that she was still too good for me, that maybe she would find someone better than me.
KC: Why would I want to do that?
DG: (Shrugs.) You could have quite easily, if you’d tried. (Kisses her.) Anyway, because of these notions of my own inadequacies we ended up sharing the house but not the bedroom.
KC: I was surprised but said nothing. I could see that he was struggling with some inner turmoil, and let it go.
DG: (Wane smile.) She had forgiven me but I hadn’t, and I didn’t want to hurt her again. I had to prove to myself that all those negative thoughts were not shared, that it was just in my own head.

The preparations for ‘More Dirty Work’ were going well. Clint had organised a brief training day where the crew and the cast re-learnt the art of loading bins. Unsurprisingly I was put in charge. What was a little surprising was that after only a couple of hours everyone was loading like a pro. Most surprising of all was Karen’s aptitude; it was as if she had been loading bins for the past four years instead of making films. The banter between all of us soon became like that of a team of refuse collectors, smutty and full of invective and derogatory remarks. Things looked good to start with.
It was summer and we were shooting all the outdoor locations first. To begin with I found it easy to slip back into playing ‘Pops’, after all he was still me, but the scenes with Karen rarely seemed to work properly. She was still a consummate professional, but my personal hang-ups kept getting in my way. Even Clint began to lose patience with me. The problem was, I couldn’t actually act. I was playing me, and I had changed. I wasn’t ‘Pops’ anymore, so things didn’t come natural to me anymore. Karen and Clint decided on a break in filming, and to try and remount some of the scenes at a later date. It was to try and help me, but if anything it made me feel worse. Even worse than I had felt for that big scene in the first film. I could find no way to bring ‘Pops’ back. I was on the point of telling them to re-write the part so that it was even smaller. That way they should be able to at least save most of the film.

I was driving Karen home for the break. We sat in the car, neither of us speaking, both alone with our thoughts. Karen was staring out of the window, watching the scenery flash past, when she spoke, finally bringing out into the open the dilemma I was still struggling to conquer. “Dave, what is the problem? Are you still hung up about… well, you know?”
“It’s that obvious, isn’t it? Yes, I can’t help it. I know you forgave me, but I can’t forgive myself. I came that close to completely throwing away something wonderful forever, but I just can’t get back to what we had before. My feelings for you haven’t changed, but my inner demons won’t let me feel the same way about us. I’m sorry, but I just can’t shake the sense I’m ruining your life.” She stretched across and kissed me on the cheek, resting her hand on my knee.
“You’re not ruining my life. But you can’t just give up again. Tell me how I can help you. I want us to be like we were before.”
“I wish I knew how you could help me Karen, I really do. But unless you can think of something I can’t…” I put my hand on hers. “Just be patient with me. It’ll come back, but it might not be in time to save the film. Maybe you’d be better …”
“No! I’m not having you written out, or your role diminished. That bastard manager tried to do that to us and nearly succeeded. I’m not going to let him win. Not now, not ever!” I smiled at her, saw the resolve in her eyes. I shrugged.
“Karen, it’s your film. The other one should have been too. I’ll do whatever you want me to.”
“Just try your best Dave, that’s all I ask. I have faith in you, so does Clint. You can beat your so-called demons, that I do know. You did it for ‘Dirty Work’, and you can do it again.”
“With you two behind me, how can I fail?” I squeezed her hand. She smiled and squeezed my knee.

Interviewer: So what happened?
DG: Well, Karen rehearsed me all through that break, told me how the ‘old me’ would have approached each scene, coached me to put my feelings, misguided feelings according to her, to one side. She was certain I could still play the part I had created by the end of the week. I was still unsure. Would I be able to do it in front of an audience, albeit a friendly audience?
KC: When we went back to the location, Dave was really nervous. I had to keep telling him that it was easy; all he had to do was be the old him.
DG: It was easy to say, but a lot harder to put into practice though. I managed though.
KC: Yes, those early scenes were definitely difficult for him, but he came through.
DG: I wasn’t great, nowhere near as good as I had been in ‘Dirty Work’, but considering what I was battling, my own insecurities, I was pleased enough. Clint was too, which was the main thing. Everyone was supportive, they all obviously still believed in me. It made me believe in myself.
Interviewer: It was a sort of redemption?
DG: In a way, I suppose. It enabled me to carry on that’s for certain. (Pauses.) Can I tell you what other piece of redemption inspired me?
Interviewer: Sure.
DG: You’ll need to bear with me a bit on this. You remember Euro 96? England against Spain. Penalty shoot out. Stuart Pearce steps up to the spot. Six years earlier he had missed a penalty against Germany in the semi final shoot-out of the world cup that resulted in England getting knocked out. He hasn’t taken an England penalty since. He places the ball on the spot, calm as you like, steps back and buries it. And then six years of hurt disappeared, just like that. The look on his face. He had faced his demons and beaten them. The fans forgave him instantly; mostly I think because he had the bottle to stand up and say ‘I’ll take a penalty’. I had that in the back of my mind when we started filming. I’m not saying I was anywhere near as brave as Psycho was that day, I could still have backed out, whereas once he had the ball he was taking the penalty, but it was that which ultimately inspired me to step up and take my shot again.
KC: You never told me this. It seems a bit odd as an actor to take inspiration from a football match.
DG: I keep telling you, I’m not an actor, just someone who happens to be in a film. And I can’t expect someone who was only an eight year old girl to remember what a feeling it was when he slammed the ball into the net that night.
Interviewer: But the film was back on track again?
KC: Not exactly. Something still wasn’t clicking.

Karen, Clint and the scriptwriter, Douglas, were meeting in our hotel room, trying to work out what was going wrong, what it was that was missing from the production. I was only half listening, feeling that there was nothing I could contribute, when Clint called me over. “Dave, you had some ideas last time. Is there anything we are missing?”
“I’m not sure you should be asking me. I still feel it might be me getting things wrong.” Karen leant over and kissed me.
“Not everything is about you, you know. Come on, what have you got?” I sighed. She could twist me around her finger.
“All right. Maybe you need some more bin man humour. I know it’s meant to be a drama, but we binnies don’t take anything seriously for too long. You’ve got to laugh sometimes.”
“Anything specific?” Douglas asked, picking up his notepad.
“How about a sequence where Pops keeps looking at passing women, it gets boring just driving you know, and Emily notices.”
“How is that funny? Karen asked.
“Look at those legs. Slap! She’s got a nice… Slap! You don’t get many of them… Slap! Etcetera.” I sat back. The other three looked at each other and the scriptwriter started to scribble.
“Anything else?” Clint asked.
“Well, there’s a lot of stuff we aren’t supposed to do that has humorous potential.”
“Such as?”
“Loader hanging on the door, driver heads for a bush or a bin, loader get face full of bush or has to lift up over bin. I know it’s not cerebral, but it makes us laugh.”
“You never did that sort of thing when I was with you.” Karen said.
“Well, we aren’t supposed to do it, but when the management aren’t about…” I shrugged, “We all do it. Clip a wet bush just right and you can shower the guy walking under it.”
“Sounds a bit one sided?”
“They can get their own back. Flicking wet gloves through the open window, a judiciously lobbed berry when you’re not looking.”
“I’ve always wanted to ask, why do you drive with the window open?” Clint broke in.
“I don’t really know, I just do.” I shrugged again.
“Well, thanks for the input Dave. Anything else?”
“There is one thing.”

Interviewer: And what was that?
DG: I didn’t want to mention it because I thought Karen would oppose it, but she told me to go ahead and tell them. They could always say no afterwards.
KC: At that point though I was willing to listen to anything. Things just weren’t slotting together properly.
Interviewer: So what was this change you wanted to make?
DG: In the original script, Emily and Pops were considering leaving to take up a new challenge together somewhere. I explained that in my experience long-time bin men don’t just up and leave. Any one of us who has been doing the job for so long just can’t leave. People with less than, say, fifteen years service come and go. You reach fifteen years and the only way you’re leaving is by some sort of retirement or by dying.
KC: I said at the time you put this forward that you had left though.
DG: Yes, I know. But that was to be with you. And what did I do when I thought I’d lost you? I went back to the bins.
KC: I hadn’t thought of it like that.
DG: (Smiles.) We’re creatures of habit after that amount of time, all bad ones. Anyway, I thought that Pops was accepting this talk of leaving to easily. I suggested that he would be torn by his two loves, Emily and his job.
KC: That isn’t all he suggested. He came up with a whole new ending.
Interviewer: Did you use it?
KC: (Nods and smiles.)The film as it was completed has Dave’s ending.

We had integrated my ideas into the film. Karen had enjoyed the head slapping, which was fair enough; I had enjoyed the ogling! Now we were filming my final scene. What I hadn’t thought through when I suggested it was the fact I was going to need to do some stunt work; Pops was going to be hit by a car. The scene started.
Pops is making his way back to the cab of the RCV after helping load some bins. A little girl runs into the road as a car speeds around the corner. The girl trips and falls. Pops sprints out into the centre of the road as the car comes past the truck, scooping up the child and throwing her out of its path. The car tries to stop but slams into him, knocking him into the air. Emily runs to his side. She cradles his head as he tries to speak. “Emily, I would have come with you, I would.” He coughs.
“Sshh! It doesn’t matter. You must hold on. Help is coming.” She starts to cry.
“It’s too late.” He coughs again. “Wear something flowery for the funeral.”
“Pops, you can’t die on me now.” Tears are streaming down Emily’s face.
“I’ll always love you.” The light in his eyes goes out. The music, Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’, swells. Emily wails ‘NOOooo!’
The whole crew applauded as Clint called ‘Cut!’ “Beautiful. And in one take too.”
“I didn’t want to have to keep hitting the ground.” I laughed. Karen kissed me, tears still in her eyes. “Are those real tears?” I asked.
“Yes. Pops is worth crying for.” She smiled a watery smile. “Your first death scene.”
“The laws of nature mean I’ll have at least one more.”
“That’s a bit morbid.”
“But true. Playing your own death, especially of a character everyone says is you, does that to a guy.” I sat up and then Karen helped me to my feet. “Come on, we’ve still got the funeral to film, and then the final scene.”

Interviewer: So it was Dave who suggested killing off Pops?
KC: Yes. Although it was something I hadn’t wanted to do, it made everything else work. I accepted it this time because he wasn’t just saying it because he thought he couldn’t act, but because it was what the movie needed and he could see that.
Interviewer: After that scene, how can you say you can’t act Dave?
DG: I don’t believe I can, I was still playing myself, opposite the woman I love. I did like the heroic touch though; my suggestion was that he was just hit by a car. It was Douglas who added the little girl and I’m grateful that he did. I asked him about it and he said it was to repay the rescue work I’d done on the script.
Interviewer: A nice gesture.
DG: Well, there was some talk of giving me a writing credit, but I didn’t want to take anything away from all the hard work he put in. After all, the only thing I’d done was make a couple of suggestions. (At this point Karen thumps Dave quite hard on the arm.) What was that for?
KC: How can you say that? Not only did you come up with the ending, you came up with the music for those scenes.
Interviewer: The music tracks for the final scenes were his idea too? They really set the right tone, if I may say.
KC: Yes, they do. The way ‘Nothing Else Matters’ soars at just the right point says everything about his final words. ‘The One I Love’…
Interviewer: The R.E.M. song?
KC: Well, that was exactly the right song to play over the funeral as we panned out from the cremation service and then out over all the RCV’s parked outside the crematorium.
DG: ‘Comfortably Numb’ was too long. (She punches him again.)
KC: Be serious Dave.
DG: (Grinning.) Well it is.
Interviewer: The last scene is also a panning shot isn’t it?
KC: Yes. It seemed that both of those last scenes worked better without words. Again the music helps enormously.
Interviewer: What is that song that plays out until the final fade?
DG: That’s ‘Against The Wind’ by Bob Seger. I thought it projected the idea that Emily, standing on that hill as she scatters Pops ashes, and then walking down the hill with her suitcase, knew what she had lost, but was determined to carry on with the plans they had made.
Interviewer: It does work.
KC: It does. I still keep being surprised by Dave’s hidden depths.
Interviewer; My final question; I take it there won’t be another ‘Dirty Work’ sequel?
DG: Probably not. For one thing, it’ll be hard to come up with a decent title. (Laughs.)
KC: Personally, I would say ‘never say never’.
DG: But Pops is dead!
KC: (Smirking.) It’s the movies Dave. Patrick Swayze was dead for ‘Ghost’ and look how successful that was.
Interviewer: Very true. Thank you both.

Karen burst out laughing when I came back after letting the interviewer out. “What’s so funny?” I asked. She wiped away a tear.
“The look on your face when I said we might make another one.”
“Well, it was a bit of a shock. I thought we’d agreed I was giving up on acting and going behind the camera with Clint.”
“Oh, we have. But are you saying that if a really good idea came along you wouldn’t want to play Pops again? Even as a ghost?”
“Well, maybe.” I sat down next to her and pulled her close. “It’ll always be nice to work with you, as long as you don’t keep expecting miracles from me.” I smiled. We kissed, a long kiss, a kiss from four years ago.
“Why can’t I expect miracles? You keep coming up with them.”
“Only because I’m with you, the biggest miracle of all. And one that you provided, twice. You inspire me.”
“Fairs fair. You inspire me too.” She got up and held out her hand. “Come on, you’ve inspired me again.” She headed out of the room and up the stairs.
I followed her. I always will.

Photograph Album (The Photograph Trilogy)

Posting the whole thing in one so that you don't have to keep searching for the three separate parts. As with the complete Summer Rain, there may be minor differences due to editing.

The Photograph

I found it hidden away in the bottom of a drawer, a twenty-year old photograph of me and Jessica hugging and smiling. She’d been wearing her one-piece swimsuit, conservative in comparison to what the other girls had worn, but to me it had given her additional mystique. I just had to sit as I stared at it. What had happened to us? Not that we had ever really been boyfriend and girlfriend, but when she was gone I finally realised that I’d fallen in love with her and that now it was too late. I wiped a tear from my eye and continued to stare.
The photograph had been taken when eight of us seventeen-year olds had gone on a caravan holiday at Easter. By the end of the summer Jess was gone, but just looking at that picture of us with our arms wrapped around each other brought memories of that week rushing back. I was one of the few to have passed my driving test and have access to a car. I suspect that was why I was invited and I’d asked Jess if she wanted to come too. We took two cars down to the holiday site. The other six were all steady couples and it made the sleeping arrangements difficult for me and Jessie until I decided to sleep in the car and let her have the final space to herself. I was never sure whether she was disappointed or relieved by this. The eight of us had a great time, out on our own for the first time. It was a week long party of fun. John, the other driver in the group had taken the photo of me and Jess on our last day, just as we were packing everything up. He’d given it to me when Jessica had disappeared from our school lives that autumn. For months I’d carried it around with me until I realised it was hindering my attempts to get on with a normal life. So I stashed it away in the drawer and tried to forget Jess.
I looked down again and saw her happy face and was determined to find out where she was, where she had gone. Our best guess at school was that her parents had moved away and she had gone with them, but there had been no sign of this when the summer holidays had begun, the first we knew about it was when she didn’t come back for the last year. I scanned the picture and posted it on Flickr under the title ‘Jessica, where are you?’ with a comment underneath asking everyone for any information. I did the same on Facebook. I also got in touch with some of my old friends to ask if they had heard anything of her. Then I had to wait.
It was a long wait too. I had to fend off several cranks pretending they were Jessie, but none of them knew the right answer to the question ‘where was the picture taken?’ It may have been possible that she wouldn’t know that, having seen it only briefly, but I felt she’d know. After two months the picture had many, many views and nearly as many comments, but nothing from the person I wanted to see it. And then one evening after I’d started to give up hope I got a friend invitation on Facebook from a ‘Jessica’. I checked that it was real. It seemed to be from her so I accepted. I also sent her an e-mail, asking if she really was the Jessie in the picture. Then I waited again. ‘Kashmir’ was playing on the radio when the reply came. All it said was ‘Now do you believe it’s me?’ Attached was an almost identical photo.
We exchanged e-mails for a few days. I skirted around the questions I really wanted to ask and just asked safe questions about how she was and where she was. Her replies were always friendly and any questions she asked were in the same style as mine. It turned out she was living about an hours drive away, in a town I’d passed through quite a bit, but didn’t know particularly well. After a week of pussyfooting around I asked if we could meet, expecting the answer ‘no’. I was more than a little surprised in that case when she said of course. I thought a neutral venue might be best, so suggested a pub called ‘The Black Buck’ about halfway between us. Another quick agreement and a time was arranged, and a recognition signal in case we’d both changed too much.
On the way over I thought about the fun times we had had together. Not just me and Jess, but our whole clique. We must have been the worst set of prefects the school had ever had, breaking more rules than the rest of the school put together. As I got closer to the ‘Buck’ I began to get vague pangs of worry, but tried to put them from my mind as I swung into the car park.
I paused at the door to the pub, suddenly unsure that this was the right thing to do. Maybe it would be better to remember Jessica as she was, or as I thought she was, rather than build this up as a grand reunion and find out my memories were totally at odds with a girl I hadn’t seen for twenty years. I took my hand from the door. Suddenly there was a fondly remembered voice behind me.
“Second thoughts, huh?” I span around and was greeted by the dazzling smile from the photograph. I grinned back.
“Sort of. Too late now though.” I held out my hand. “It’s good to see you again Jess.” She shook my hand, an amused look on her face and then pulled me close and hugged me.
“It’s good to see you too Dave. It’s been too long.”
“It has Jess, it has.” I pushed the door open “C’mon, I’ll get the drinks in.”
“I just need to check they’re holding my room for me, and then I’ll be in. Get me a Tia Maria and coke?”
“Of course. I wish I’d thought about getting a room too. Just have to hold off on the alcohol I suppose.”
“Oh, you can share the room if you like. I’m sure they won’t mind.” I had a flashback to the caravan. Jessie saw the look cross my face. “You don’t have to if you’re worried what people think you know.” She smiled that smile again, more knowing now. I grinned back.
“I think we’re both grown up enough now to handle it. Thanks Jess. But I sleep on the couch if that’s okay?”
“Sure Dave, if that’s what you want. The room may not have a couch of course.” She gave a wicked grin and went to find out about her reservation. My head spinning slightly with the suddenness of everything, I went and got the drinks in.
As we sat sipping our drinks we began to reminisce about our days at school together, the things we did either as a pair or part of a larger group. The jokes we had played or seen, the mishaps, the teachers we played up. The time passed swiftly and so did the drinks. I went to stand as the bar was closing and found my legs belonged to someone else. Jessica caught me before I fell and led me to what was our room. I couldn’t understand it, my brain was functioning normally, but the rest of me was on holiday. And Jess had drunk as much as me, but she didn’t seem to be affected. She opened the door and sat me down on the edge of the bed. “I’m sorry Jessie; I seem to have got carried away with the drinking.” I was really upset that I may be ruining our reunion.
“It isn’t the first time I’ve carried you to bed.” She said soothingly.
“It isn’t? I don’t remember being this bad with you before.”
“The Christmas we were seventeen? Leaving school at dinnertime and not going home until six o’clock? I got you home that day, and without your mom finding out.”
“You did? I don’t recall…”
“Of course you don’t. You barely remembered your own name, let alone mine, kept calling me Belinda, very disconcerting for a girl.”
“I apologise extremely belatedly.” My mind began to wander, but still connected to my mouth unfortunately. “Belinda? Belinda? I wonder… I know! Belinda Carlisle! I had a crush on her back then.”
“I didn’t really want to know that.”
“Sorry.” Suddenly I began to feel really queasy. My hand went to my mouth and I stood and began to stagger in the direction I hoped the bathroom was.
It was embarrassing, throwing up like that in front of somebody I hadn’t seen for twenty years. I felt so foolish, and really, really ill. Jessica seemed to just take it in her stride, as if happened all the time. She turned the shower on and told me to get under it, leaving me to it. I struggled out of my clothes and sat beneath the stream of hot water. It didn’t do much for the thumping in my head, but it did make me feel less queasy and I didn’t get the whirling pits when I closed my eyes.
It must have been more relaxing than I thought. I awoke with a start as daylight was creeping through the window. I held my head and struggled to sit up. I was in the bed. Guiltily I looked around me; there was no sign of where Jessica had slept. I slid out from the sheets and had another shock; I was naked! And the only one who could have moved me from the shower was Jess. Hurriedly I pulled on my boxers and trousers, wondering where a :) my shirt was: And b :) where Jessie was. Had she been forced to sleep in the armchair? Or had she slept in the bed beside me? I was going to feel guilty whichever it was. I was looking for my socks and shoes when Jess came into the room with my shirt.
“You’re awake then? Good. I’ve managed to get your shirt cleaned and dried.” She said, handing me the garment. I took it and began to put it on.
“Jessie, I’m so sorry. I’ve been nothing but a problem for you all night.”
“Calm down Dave. It wasn’t the first time I’ve put someone to bed, I got a lot of experience of that while I was in the RAF.”
“But I took your bed and everything.” I paused. “You joined the RAF?”
“Ten years.” She said proudly.
“There is so much about you I don’t know anymore. I should have asked you all those things before I met you again.”
“Dave, you haven’t changed a bit. You still worry about so many inconsequential things.” She smiled. The word ‘inconsequential’ made me look from the bathroom to the bed for some reason. Jessica saw the glance and laughed. “Yes, I put you in the bed. As I said, it wasn’t the first time.”
“But… but, I was… you saw…” I spluttered, going a deep red. She was still grinning.
“If you must know, I didn’t look.” I managed to calm down. I looked at Jessica and realised I was still hung up on her. I had to do something.
“Jess. Can we talk? There are a couple of things I need to say, and maybe a question I need to ask.”
“We spent most of last night talking didn’t we?”
“I suppose, but that was just chatting really. Please Jessie, this is important to me I promise.”
“All right.” She said with a shrug. “Why don’t we go for a walk? It’s a lovely day and you look like you could do with some fresh air still.”
She waited for some minutes as we walked, while I was trying to sort out how to say what I wanted to say without seeming crass or bluff, until the silence became too much. “So, what was it you wanted to say?” Here goes nothing, I thought.
“The first thing is, I’m sorry about the caravan holiday, I didn’t think it through.”
“Why are you sorry? It was fun wasn’t it?
“It was great fun, but I should have realised that the others would all pair off, leaving you with me. I hoped that it would be boys and girls bunking separately, but I know your shyness made you embarrassed when it happened the other way.”
“I was embarrassed to start with, but I was kind of hoping that we’d end up together.”
“You were?” It was a bit of a shock to hear that. “And I thought I was doing the right thing for you. I’m truly sorry Jess, but why didn’t you say something?”
“Because you were right, I was shy. And so were you.”
“Yes. Yes I was. It looks like I made a right mess of that too. I’m really, really sorry.”
“You don’t have to keep apologizing; we both could have done things differently.” She smiled. “In any case, maybe it was all for the best. After all, we both kept an image of a perfect partner in our heads for twenty years didn’t we?” I nodded.
“I suppose.” I replied slowly. The phrase ‘perfect partner’ was bouncing round in my head.
“Was that all you wanted to say? You mentioned a question.”
“Yes, yes I did.” I held her hand, wondering how to put it. “What happened that summer Jessie? You just vanished without a word.” Now Jessica looked away.
“Oh, that.” She turned back around and took my other hand. “Well, my gran had been ill for some time and dad decided we needed to move closer. It was all a bit of a rush, and some things got forgotten.”
“I can see that, but why couldn’t you just come and say goodbye? You knew where I lived; it was only twenty minutes walk.” Jess hung her head.
“My turn to say sorry.” She looked away and then lifted her face to me. There were tears forming in her eyes. “I’d managed to convince myself that you didn’t like me, what with the caravan holiday and everything, so I thought a clean break would be best for both of us. But I never stopped thinking about you.”
“Jessie, why would I have asked you to come with me if I didn’t like you? To make up the numbers?”
“I know, I know.” She almost wailed. “I was just confused I suppose. I’d never been in love before.” The words hit me like a hammer blow. I hugged her as tears began to roll down her cheeks.
“Oh Jess, Jessie. What have we done? Between us we seemed to have screwed up a budding romance.”
“Do you think we could try again?” She asked, looking up with reddened eyes. I held her closer, hugging her tightly.
“Of course we can.” I smiled down at her. “It wasn’t until I’d lost you that I realised that I loved you. Something else I’m sorry for.” Jessie giggled through her tears.
“We seem to have spent most of the past day apologizing for one thing or another don’t we?” I laughed too.
“We do.” I led her back towards the ‘Buck’. “What do you think we should do now?” She shook herself, and a thoughtful look crossed her pretty face.
“Well, are you busy the rest of the day?”
“Not especially, no. Why?”
“I’ve got something I’d like you to see. Can you follow me back to my studio?”
“Your studio? Are you some sort of artist then?”
“I’d like to think so.” She smiled. “I’m a photographer. Mainly portraits, family groups and weddings. And I like to think my pictures are fairly artistic.”
“I know what you mean.” I said. “I take pictures too, not professionally, just for pleasure, planes and cars mainly.”
“What do you do for a job now? I never thought to ask.” I shuffled my feet and looked down embarrassedly.
“I’m ashamed to say that I’m a bin man for the local council.”
“That’s not a job I’d have connected you with, but why are you ashamed?”
“Because I know I could have done better. With you gone I couldn’t be bothered at school, and messed up my exams. I bummed around for a year and then got a job as a ‘temporary general operative’.” I shrugged. “I found I enjoyed working outside, and I was good at it. Eventually they made me a RCV driver.” I saw the look on Jessica’s face. “Yes, I’m one of those who, once a week, get in your way when you’re in a hurry.” By now we were back at the pub. “Look, let’s get our things, and I’ll follow you wherever you want to go. Something I should have done twenty years ago.” Jessica nodded and went to collect her bag. I went and paid off our bills and then waited for her by the door.
“Which car is yours?” She asked when she came out. I pointed at my Range Rover. “Nice. Mine’s this one.” She walked over to an Escort Cosworth that I had been admiring.
“Very nice.” I said.
“It suits me.” She got in and turned the engine over. It was a sweet sound. Then I heard the music on the stereo. It was Led Zeppelin IV.
“That’s amazing.” I gasped out. “I was listening to that too.”
“It was you that started me listening to this music back then.” She smiled up at me. “Come on, get into your monster and follow me.”
We pulled up at the back of a row of shops. Jess slipped into a parking space that was obviously hers. Unsure where to park, I waited until she indicated the space next to her. She led me into her studio. It was light and airy and full of camera equipment. I couldn’t help but look at some of it enviously. Jessie noticed my interest. “What camera have you got?” She asked.
“Nikon D50 and a Tamron zoom.” I swept my hand around. “Nothing as grand as this, but it does what I want mostly.”
“I started all this with a Nikon, they’re a good camera.” She turned back around and headed for a door. “Coffee?”
“That would be nice.”
“Through here.” She said, motioning towards the door. “It’s a little utility room where I keep some of my stuff that I don’t have room for upstairs.”
“Upstairs?”
“I live over the shop. It’s a bit small I suppose, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, but it suffices.” I followed her into the utility room and sat on a stool she indicated. Looking around I could see several boxes of bits and pieces that looked like they had been recently disturbed. “Sugar?” Jess asked suddenly.
“What!?”
“Do you take sugar?”
“Oh! Yes, yes. Two please. I’m sorry, I was thinking of something else.” I was blushing, and I knew it. Jessica looked at me and smiled.
“You still worry too much, and at your age too.”
“Can’t help it I suppose. You said you had something to show me?”
“Yes. There on top of the scanner.” She pointed at a pile of pictures. I picked them up and began to look through them. There were more than twenty of them, mostly from the caravan holiday, a couple from the school trip later in the year and some from our last days in that final term together. But I was in all of them, mainly with Jess, a couple of times on my own. I looked up as Jessica handed me a mug.
“Jess…” I began falteringly. “Jessie, where did you get these?”
“Oh, I either took them or asked someone to take them with my camera. It was only an Instamatic back then though.”
“But why? If I was that important to you, why didn’t you say?” I was at a loss.
“Because… Because I was shy. And if I didn’t ask, you couldn’t reject me.” She looked down, her eyes tearful once more. “It was stupid, I know.”
“No, no it wasn’t stupid.” I stopped and thought. “Well actually it was pretty daft because…”
“Why?”
“Because that’s the exact rationalisation that I used.” I tried to grin, but couldn’t. “We really screwed up Jessica. If one of us had got the courage up to say something, we could have been together.”
“We wasted twenty years then?” A watery smile spread over her face.
“I suppose.” A grin broke through onto my face, and then I began to laugh. Jessie giggled and then began to laugh too. I stood up and held her close, hugging her to me to make up for twenty years of wondering. “I think we’ll have to do better this time.” I said as we pulled apart reluctantly.
“We will. And the first thing we need is a new picture.”
“How are we going to do that? We’re the only ones here.”
“Dave, out there is my photographic studio.” She grinned. “I have all sorts of gadgets for taking pictures remotely. Come on.” She led me by the hand back through the door.
I sat in the middle of the studio as Jessie set up the camera, the lights, and the remote shutter, marvelling at all the attention to detail. All I’d ever done to take a picture was point and shoot! I asked her what she was doing next weekend. “Nothing I can’t cancel.” She replied.
“Want to come to a car meet with me?”
“Sure. Shall I bring a camera?”
“That’s up to you; I’ll be taking mine though.”
“I might do then, but I reckon you just want to borrow my big zoom lens.” She said mischievously.
“Jessie! As if.” She laughed.
“Only kidding Dave. Of course you can borrow it.” Finally she was ready and came to sit next to me.
“How shall we pose?” I asked.
“How about recreating the picture you posted.”
“Well there’s no caravan, but…”
“Idiot!” She laughed, kissing me. “Smile.”







Another Photograph


It had been six months after Jessie and I had been reunited and things seemed to be going well between us. Then I got a phone call from her one afternoon.
“Can you come over this evening? There’s something I think we need to discuss.” She sounded a little worried.
“Is it about the school reunion? I got an e-mail last night telling me about it.”
“Maybe indirectly. It has some bearing, but there’s something more important, and I don’t want to discuss it over the phone.” I took this in. “So, can you come over?”
“Of course, you don’t think I’ll pass up on an invite from my favourite girl do you?” I was jovial about it, but obviously something was on her mind, she just didn’t sound her normal cheery self.
I arrived just as Jess was closing her photographic studio for the day.
“You’re early.” She said, letting me in. I shrugged.
“You sounded out of sorts, so I came over as soon as I could.”
“Soppy sod.” She hugged me.
“So, what is it that’s worrying you? It isn’t the reunion is it? I know that everyone wanting to meet you might be a bit daunting.”
“No, not at all.” She shook her head. “I’m actually looking forward to seeing everyone again.” She looked down momentarily. “Come upstairs. I’ll make coffee.”
I stepped into the by now familiar self contained flat Jessica lived in above the studio and sat down. Jessie disappeared into the kitchen to put the kettle on. She definitely seemed preoccupied somewhat. I wondered how bad it could be. It was even more apparent something was up when she brought the coffees through. She looked really nervous, so nervous her hand was trembling as she handed me the mug.
“Just sit down and tell me Jess.” I said kindly. “Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”
“It can.” She said, tears forming in her eyes. “It’s something I should have told you a lot earlier.” She paused and looked away, unable to look me in the eyes. Now I was worried too. “The fact is Dave, I’m still married.” I nearly spilt coffee everywhere.
“WHAT! You’re kidding, right?” She shook her head.
“We’ve been separated for ten years, since I left the RAF. I haven’t seen him since, but we’re still married. I’m really, really sorry.” She hung her head. I’d recovered a bit by now. I put my arm around Jessica and held her close.
“Don’t start with the apologies again.” I kissed her head. “But you might have hinted, and then I wouldn’t have made that remark the other week about us setting a date…” I paused, realisation hitting me. “Oh! That’s what brought this on, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“So, what are we going to do then?”
“You don’t hate me?”
“Why would I hate you? You’re my girl now.” I smiled at her and she grinned back. “Well then, what the plan? I presume you have one? And that’s why you left it till now to tell me, so I couldn’t stop you?” She grinned again, nodding.
“Well, I spoke to my solicitor and he says that estrangement won’t be hard to prove.”
“Not after ten years apart.”
“I’ve got the papers and found Mike. He’s coming round tomorrow…”
“And you want me here.” I finished for her.
“Actually no, quite the opposite. I’d like you to stay away. This is between me and Mike.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. Certain.”
“Well I know you like to do things your own way, so all right. Just call me when he’s gone.” I sat back. “Now then, let’s talk about the reunion. We are going together aren’t we?”

It was after nine o’clock before she rang me. I was a little concerned. I was even more concerned when I got the call: Jessie was crying. ‘We’ve had an argument’, was all she would say. Ignoring how late it was getting I jumped straight into the car and drove there as quickly as I could.
Jessica opened the door to my ringing. Her eyes were red from crying, but more shockingly there was an obvious slap mark on her cheek. In a sudden cold fury I pushed past her. “Is he still here?” I demanded.
“No. He left. I waited until he was gone before calling.”
“You should have rung me straightaway Jess.” I took her in my arms. “What happened?” I asked calming down a little as I saw her face.
“Same as always with me and Mike. We started to argue and things got out of hand.”
“I think I want a word with someone who hits women. Where did he go?”
“Dave, I don’t think I should tell you. He was a bit drunk and I don’t want you hurt. It’s my problem, I should solve it.”
“It’s OUR problem now. Where?” I was now only just holding onto my temper. It was one of the things I hated, men hitting women.
“The little pub on the outskirts.” She said quietly. “But I don’t want you to go. It’s not just Mike, it’s me as well. It was always the same between us. We both had such explosive tempers”
“You don’t have to protect him you know?”
“I’m not, it’s the truth.”
“But you’re all right with me. I have a temper too you know?”
“You manage to control yourself, and so do I normally, but with Mike I just…” She waved her hand in despair. “Please be careful Dave.”
“Jessie, I’m not going to try and beat him up, I just want to put him straight on a few things. Did he sign the papers?”
“He took them with him, said he would see.”
“Something else I’ll need to talk to him about. Don’t worry; I’ll call when I have some news.” I slipped back out before she could protest any more.
I asked the barman to point out Mike to me. I looked long and hard at him. He was sat with a pint glass, looking at it moodily. Pulling myself together I walked up to where he was sitting.
“You’re Mike, right?” He looked up at me.
“Yep. And I’m guessing you’re Dave.” He pointed to the seat next to him. “Jessie sent you?” I sat down.
“Actually, she didn’t want me to come. She wanted to sort things out for herself.” He took a drink and nodded.
“Sounds like my Jess.”
“Except she’s my Jessica now.”
“Why should I listen to you?” Mike said with a sneer. I could feel my temper beginning to rise and tried to keep calm. “Running around behind some broad’s skirt, sucking up to her.”
“At least I don’t hit her. Only losers hit women!” I snapped back, my temper going up several notches. Mike snarled.
“She deserved it.” That pushed me over the edge. I swung my fist around and caught him full in the face, knocking him over. The sudden hurt brought me back to reality.
“I’m sorry; I swore I wouldn’t do that.” I held out my hand and helped him back up.
“Thanks.” Strangely he was smiling. “I hoped you’d have the bottle to stand up to me. I couldn’t just let Jessie go to any old wimp.” He saw the puzzlement on my face. “Yes, despite all our arguments, I still care for her. You surprised?”
“Not really I suppose. I feel the same way.”
“Good man!” He clapped me around the shoulder. “We should get on fine now.” I was totally bemused by the turn of events. “By the way, did I hurt Jess?”
“You left a slap mark. It didn’t look pretty.”
“I’d show the damage she did to me, but this is a public place.”
“She said that it was her fault too, the argument.” He shrugged.
“That was our problem; we just sparked each other off. Nobodies fault, so we decided to cut our losses.” He sighed. “I kept hoping, but it’s obvious we were never going to be together. Incidentally, watch out for her knee in an argument.” Mike smiled and I grinned back.
“Vicious is it?”
“Like you wouldn’t believe.”
After that we just talked. It was really strange, I had sought him out with a cold fury in my heart but once I realised he was still looking out for Jess in his own way we got along just fine. As I was getting up to leave as they called time he handed me an envelope.
“I’ve signed the papers, I trust you to post them.”
“Thanks Mike. I hope you can find someone else.” He just shrugged.
“Thanks for that. I have got my eye on someone.” We shook hands and I left.
Jessica was still waiting for me. Without a word I handed her the envelope Mike had given me. She didn’t open it, just putting it down and then hugging me.
“I’m so glad you’re all right.”
“We’re all okay. Mike has a bit of a broken heart and is a bit sore between the legs, but I think he’ll be fine too.” Jess looked down.
“He told you then?”
“He intimated if I do get into an argument with you, it would be a good idea to keep away from your knee.” I smiled. “But I don’t intend to ever get into that sort of disagreement.” She kissed me.
“Thank you for that. Now I suppose we can start to make some plans.”
“I suppose so, starting with the reunion.”
“Oh, that first.”
“Indeedy do. I reckon we need to get a taxi to the club. What do you think?”

I heard Jessica’s Cosworth pull outside my flat while I was still fiddling with my tie. I wasn’t convinced that the tie was a good idea, but Jess had insisted. She wasn’t going to meet all her old friends with a scruffy-looking partner. I knew she was onto a loser there though; scruffy-looking was my natural state, even with my best clothes on. I opened the door for her and went back to the battle with the tie. I heard the door close behind me and asked. “You couldn’t help me with this could you?” I turned around, the tie half done around my neck. And stopped and stared open mouthed at the gorgeous sight before me. Jessica positively shone in a figure hugging shimmering full length dress. She gave a little twirl.
“Like it? I do a little portfolio work for a couple of models and one of them insisted I borrow it.” She looked at me. “Close your mouth Dave, you’re dribbling.”
“Sorry, but you look absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks. You look a mess.”
“I am a mess. I always was a mess, and I probably always will be a mess.”
“Not tonight sunshine, I’m going to sort you out.”
“Why bother Jess? Stood next to you I could wear a bin-liner and no-one would notice.”
“I would notice. Please Dave, just for one night, let me sort you out.”
“One night only then. Then you let me be me.”
“Agreed.” She walked over to my meagre wardrobe and opened it. “Not much to work with is there?”
“I’ve got the suit.” I protested.
“That’s a suit is it?” She sighed.
After half an hour of fussing Jess had got me looking presentable. She looked around. “What now?” I asked.
“Where’s your camera? We need a picture of this.”
“You must be joking.”
“No. Where is it?” Sighing I took my camera out of the drawer and handed it over reluctantly.
“Only on the understanding I take a picture of you as well.”
“Okay. Its got a timer as well hasn’t it?”
“I think so, why?”
“We could get another one of the two of us.”
“We can try I suppose, as long as it doesn’t take too long. The taxi should be here any minute.”

As it turned out we managed to get the three shots we wanted before the taxi beeped his horn. Actually I took more than one of Jessie in all her finery, snapping several when she wasn’t looking. Now we were outside the club where the reunion was being held, having confirmed a pick-up time with the cabbie. Jessica looked a little nervous now.
“Are you all right?” I asked. “I thought you were looking forward to it?”
“I was, I am. But I’m a bit scared. There’s going to be a lot of questions.” I put my arm around her and kissed her.
“I’m worried too. But it will be fine. They’re all just interested in you. And me I suppose.”
“Why?”
“Why me? Because most of them went on to higher education and I didn’t. I’ll probably fit in less than you dear Jessica.” She hugged me.
“Still with the worrying about silly things, eh?”
“You can talk. Come on, it’s getting cold out here.” With that we walked into the club hand in hand.
As we opened the doors and entered the function room, the drummer of the live band happened to look up. It was mistake on his behalf as the sight of Jessica in her slinky dress caused him to miss the drum kit. The rest of the group looked at him in annoyance and then where he was looking. The music ground to a halt. Now everyone in the room was looking at us. I desperately wanted to hide, but Jessica had already steeled herself and towed me towards the bar. The band started up again and soon old friends were gathering around us, asking how we were and where we had been.
After an hour or so I was getting tired of repeating the story of how I had found Jessie again, but people were interested so I persevered. At least they weren’t asking what I was doing now. I wasn’t ashamed to tell them but it was so dull compared with the careers they had all seemed to follow. Jess was revelling in the attention, not caring how often she had to repeat herself. I picked up a few nuggets of information myself, things we hadn’t talked about. After all, we had had twenty years of catching up to do in the past six months. I had decided that I wasn’t going to get as drunk as before so was being careful. Jessica had no such inhibitions and seemed to be drinking more than ever, but with no effect. I wondered how much was too much for her and hoped I’d be able to spot when it was close to happening. For the moment though she was a gregarious as ever. My friend John, provider of the original photograph, came over and we began to chat. He was one of the few who knew the story of the reunion already and subsequently was more interested in my story. “Come outside, it’s a bit noisy in here.” He said. Picking up my carefully nursed drink I followed him outside.
“Tell me Dave, why have you never tried to get further up the success ladder?” He asked. “We all know you had the brains.”
“But not the ambition mate. I found something I liked and just keep doing it. Oh they ask me to do odd things at times, but I just suspect that’s because I get them done.”
“You could have done more though.”
“Don’t nag. Anyway, I’m happy. Even more so now that I’ve got Jessie. There’s a great feeling of satisfaction at times, especially when there are twenty cars stuck behind you.” I grinned. He laughed and shrugged.
“Well, if you ever need another job, just call me.”
“Thanks, I’ll remember that. Now let’s go back in, or Jess will have started a martial arts tournament or something.”
It wasn’t that, but she had got up onto the stage and was making a speech. Or that’s what I thought. What she was actually doing was making an introduction for someone else’s speech. Mine! There was polite applause as she finished and friendly hands pushed me towards the stage. What was I going to say? I stumbled onto the stage, blinking in the light. I remembered what John and I had been talking about, that might do.
“Thank you for that introduction Jessie. I hope it was for me.” A laugh ran through the room. “Well everyone, it’s good to see you all again. As you can see, Jessica has managed to overcome her shyness.” She blushed and got a couple of friendly prods. “Unfortunately I haven’t and am in danger of drying up quite quickly. But before I do, I’d like to say a few words about contentment. I really only recently realised how happy with my life I was. Sure, I don’t have a lot of money or a high-powered job, but I enjoy what I do. I enjoy my free time and my hobbies. When I found an old picture of Jess, I wondered what had happened to her and decided to try and find her. You know that story by now; she’s been telling anyone who’d listen.” Another laugh. “While that was happening in here, I was outside talking with an old friend and suddenly it came to me. Finding her and falling in love again had given me everything I needed to be satisfied, someone to share with.” Jessica was blushing again. “So, as I’m running out of things to say, I just want to thank Jess for making me so happy.” A round of applause rose up. I waved my hand. “And thank you all for listening to my rambling!” Thankfully I left the stage and Jessie hugged me and planted a kiss on my lips.
“That was lovely Dave. Thank you.”
“Well, it was true.” I disentangled myself from her. “Anyway, I need a drink now. And you’re buying, volunteering me without asking you cheeky madam.” She grinned.
“All right, I suppose I can splash out a little for someone who is so content. And I apologise for not asking, but if I had you’d have said ‘no’ and then you wouldn’t have said those nice things.” She kissed me again. “So I’m not that sorry.”

The taxi came and took us back to my flat. We dropped onto the sofa, both a little merry, and just sat quietly in each others arms. After a little while I stirred.
“Don’t Dave. Let’s just stay like this.”
“But I need to get the bedding so I can sleep here.”
“It can wait for a while. I got something this morning that I want to show you.”
“Why have you waited until now to mention it?”
“Because I want to share it with only you, with no pressure from the clock or anything else.” I was intrigued now. Jessica sat up and pulled an official looking envelope from her bag. She passed it to me, a barely suppressed grin on her face. I took it and opened it, taking out the contents. A quick scan told me that it was a court date for the finalisation of her divorce. I looked up smiling into her beaming face. “So, what do you think?”
“It’s good news.” I said waving the paper.
“I didn’t mean that.” Her look darkened slightly.
“Oh, I see. You want to set up another photograph.”
“That’s not it either!” She turned away grumpily.
“You mean you don’t want pictures of our wedding?” She turned back to me slowly, the grin broader than ever. “Sorry. Think of it as payback.”
“It’s a good job we’re sat down or my knee would have been coming your way, you horrible teaser.”

“Have you got the white balance set right?”
“Jess, leave him alone. I know he’s your assistant, but I’m sure you’ve taught him how to take group pictures. Now stand still.”







Snapshots


I was sure I hadn’t made any more noise than usual as I prepared for the three-quarter hour trip to work, but there was Jessica in the doorway of the kitchen. “Sorry Jess, did I wake you?”
“Not in the way you think. I always wake up not long after you get up for work, but I usually wait until you’ve gone before I get up.”
“Why the change then?”
“I just felt a bit odd, that’s all.”
“Anything I can do?”
“I don’t think so, but thanks for asking. You don’t need to get there this early do you?”
“Not exactly, but since we moved out here I like to allow an extra half an hour.” Jessie came into the kitchen and sat down while I finished my early morning coffee. She looked wistful and began to play with the sugar bowl.
“Remember the first meal we had here? It was so romantic.”
“That’s not what you said at the time! I was threatened with the knee, if I recall.”
“Well, fancy forgetting to get the gas and electric turned on, you silly sod. Anyway, bacon sandwiches cooked on a camping stove and eaten by candlelight never tasted so good.”
“So, you’ll forgive me for that then?”
“I might eventually.”
“Eventually huh?” I pulled on my body warmer and picked up my keys. “I better get going.” I looked at her. “If you don’t feel well perhaps you’d better stay home today.”
“I’ll be fine. Besides I’ve a couple of things I want to do. I’ll call you later.”
“All right darling. Talk to you later.”

It was lunchtime and I was a little worried about Jessie, so I called her studio. The receptionist answered. “Tracey, is Jessie there?”
“Sorry Dave. She and Alan went to the solicitors a couple of hours ago.”
“That’s odd. Any idea why?”
“No, sorry.” She paused and I heard someone else in the background. “Oh, Alan’s just come in. Want to speak to him?”
“Okay, put him on.” Jessica’s assistant came on the line. “Hello Alan, what have you and Jessica been up to?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you. Jess said she’d tell you later on.”
“She’s being mysterious again is she? Okay, it’ll wait. Where is she?”
“I dropped her off at the doctors. She said she’d walk back.”
“More mystery.” I sighed. “Is she all right? She said she felt a bit odd this morning.”
“All I know is when she came in she went upstairs with a paper bag, and she was positively beaming when she came back down.” I furrowed my brow.
“I wish she’d confide in me a bit more at times. All right Alan thanks. I’ll just have to wait until she calls me I suppose.”

I’d almost finished for the day when I got Jessica’s call. “Dave?”
“Hello Jess. I’ve been waiting for you to ring.”
“Have you finished yet?”
“Just doing the vehicle checks, then I’ll be on my way home. Are you going to let me in on the mysteries?”
“Mysteries?”
“Alan said he couldn’t tell me why you’d taken him to the solicitors.”
“Oh that. Well, I decided to make him a partner. It’ll help keep the business going.”
“Why would it need help?”
“Well, in the not too distant future, I’m not going to be able to be there.”
“Why’s that?” She seemed to delight in talking in riddles at times.
“It’s why I went to the doctor, I needed to confirm something.”
“Jess, stop dragging it out. Just tell me what’s wrong.”
“Oh, there’s nothing wrong. I’m going to be a mom.” I was almost struck dumb.
“How did that happen?”
“Don’t be silly. I know you’re not that naïve from all that porn I found on your computer.”
“Sorry, stupid statement. And how long are you going to keep dragging that up?”
“Depends how long you keep making stupid remarks I suppose. Is there someone with you? I can hear them in the background.”
“Yeah, Steve is.”
“What’s he saying?”
“Wants to know what’s going on.”
“Well tell him then.” I turned and called out to my workmate.
“Steve, I’m going to be a dad.”
“Does Jessica know?”
“Very funny.” I walked away a little. “Jess, I’ll be home in an hour. Tell me everything when you get in.”

It was after six when Jessica came in. “You madam! Why didn’t you say something? Here, sit down, put your feet up. I’ll make some coffee.” I was fussing and I knew it, but it was something I couldn’t help.
“Well I wasn’t sure.” She replied as she sat down. “And you don’t have to treat me like an invalid.” A short pause. “Well, not yet anyway.”
“Just getting some practice in. What are we going to name him?”
“Dave, you’re getting ahead of yourself a bit. And it may be a girl just as easily.” I grinned.
“Sorry, and I honestly don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl as long as you’re both fine. Will it be all right? You’re a bit older than most first time mothers.” I suddenly realised that hadn’t sounded quite right.
“I don’t know whether to be insulted or touched by that remark.” She smiled.
“Sorry. Again.”
“Good, now come and kiss me.”
“Is it safe?”
“Don’t be silly. Now come here.”
“Just keep that knee uncocked.”
“Fool!”

It was a little bit tense in the delivery room. I was stood next to Jessica as she strained, breathing hard. “Grip my hand Jess. You’re nearly there.”
“You swine! This is all your fault. Aaahh!” She was sweating quite a bit. I was too. Childbirth was obviously as difficult as I had been led to believe.
“Keep going Jessie.” I said soothingly.
“If I could get my knee at you, you’d be feeling this pain too!” She clenched my hand harder. I winced a little.
“You’re nearly breaking my hand as it is Jessica.”
“Good! Aaaaaaah!!” The doctor and the midwife looked up. The midwife nodded at me.
“Jess, Jessie! It’s coming! I can see its head. One more push.”
“Aarrrggh!” With a sudden rush, the baby was born.
“Congratulations! It’s a girl.” The doctor said.
“Jess, Jess! She’s beautiful. She looks like you.” I kissed her sweating brow. “You’ve made me happier than ever.” The midwife handed the bawling child to Jess, resting her next to her head.
“Here you are Jessica; she’s going to be a strong one.” Jessie looked at the tiny baby.
“Thank you nurse. She is all right isn’t she? We were worried that I might be a bit old.”
“You are both fine.” The nurse said, patting Jess’s hand. I had been staring at the little girl in wonderment.
“She has your eyes Jessie. To a tee.” It was true; looking at the two of them I could see so much of my beloved wife in the tiny mite. “Can, can I hold her please?” I asked tentatively. The baby was handed to me. I cradled her like she was the most precious thing in the world, which she was, scared that she’d break if I held her too tightly, worried that she’d slip if I didn’t hold her close. I looked down into that sweet little face, totally unaware of any troubles, and fell in love. Gingerly I touched her nose with my finger, then her mouth. Her eyes looked straight at me and her hands converged on my finger, attempting to catch it. “She’s so beautiful. I can’t get over how small she is. She’s holding my finger look!” I was totally enamoured at once. A daughter, a beautiful daughter.
“Don’t get so excited Dave. Anyway, she needs a name remember? All you came up with was boys’ names.”
“I did? Sorry. How about Charlotte? She looks like a Charlotte.”
“Charlotte? That’s a nice name, okay.” Jessica lay back, taking the newly-named Charlotte from me.
“Doctor? Jess? Can I take a few pictures? Will it be all right?” The doctor nodded. Jessie sighed.
“If you must Dave.” She smiled, a thought coming to her. “The amount of pictures you’re likely to take, I suspect her first words will be ‘cheese’.” Charlotte’s arms and legs were waving as if to some unheard tune, gurgling and chuckling to herself. That was the first of many photographs of Charlotte.

I was taking another picture of my darling Charlotte sitting out in the garden while Jessica prepared her afternoon drink, talking to her as I always did, when I heard her say ‘Dada’. I stopped. “What was that Lottie? Say it again for daddy.” She did. “Jess! Jessie!! Come quick! She said ‘Dada’ twice!” Jess ambled out, the bottle in her hand.
“Again?” She said wearily. “That’s the third time this weekend you’ve claimed she’s been talking. She is barely ten months old you know.” I ignored the friendly jibe. It was true I kept thinking I heard little Charlotte say a word, but this time I was sure.
“Say it again Lottie, say it for mommy too.” Nothing. I knelt next to the toddler. “Please Charlotte; your mother thinks I’m going potty. Say it for daddy.” She reached out her little hand and tried to grab me.
“Dada.” Jessica’s amused smile froze. She knelt down as well. “Dada.”
“See! I told you Jess.” I was grinning massively. I felt so proud.
“Well, I have to admit that did sound like ‘Dada’. Pity, I was hoping her first words would be ‘Mama’.”
“I’m sorry Jess. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been coaching her. Well, nagging her really.”
“You don’t think I haven’t?”
“Of course not, I didn’t mean it like that.” She kissed me.
“I know.” She grinned at me. “And I did say her first word would be ‘cheese’ anyway.” Charlotte seemed oblivious to our pride, she just sat and grinned.

I was a little concerned. I felt Charlotte should be trying to walk by now, but she seemed content to crawl or shuffle on her bottom. Jessica said it was my fault; I kept picking her up, so I’d decided to try and encourage her. I stood her on my feet, holding her hands to balance her, and shuffled forward. The problem was, she enjoyed that so much she wouldn’t try herself. All I’d done was invent a new game for her. Jess had just sighed and told me to let her be; she’d walk when she wanted to, when she wanted something. I’d nodded, but known that I wouldn’t be the first one to see this happen. Jess had been taking Lottie to the studio with her for seven or eight months, where her receptionist Tracey or Alan the other photographer could keep an eye on her if Jessie herself was busy. With Lottie getting so adventurous now, I knew that exploring the studio would be the inspiration she needed to take her first steps. She’d explored our house already with me helping her, so I knew it was my own fault.

My phone rang while I was at work driving so I was forced to ignore it for a moment. As soon as I pulled up I pulled out the mobile and checked the missed call. I groaned when I saw it was from Jessica, suddenly sure that Lottie had been spotted walking. I called back. “Jess? Sorry I couldn’t answer. What’s up?”
“Charlotte!”
“What?”
“Charlotte’s been standing up!”
“And?”
“And nothing. She’s never stood up on her own before has she?”
“No.” I conceded. “Except in her play pen, holding the bars.” I had a thought. “Did you get a picture?”
“Of course.” Jessie sighed. “Another one for the ever-growing file on your computer.”
“Of course.” I was pleased; there was still a chance I could be there when she first walked.

I walked into the studio through the front door. Tracey, the receptionist, looked up. “Hello Dave, come to collect Charlotte?”
“Hello Trace. Yeah, I’ve come for the princess. Is the boss in?”
“She’s out back; printing off someone’s wedding pictures. The princess is with her.”
“She’s been standing up on her own?”
“Oh yes.” She smiled. “She looked so proud of herself.”
“But no steps?”
“Not while anyone was looking.” I grinned.
“That’s my girl, waiting for her dad.” Jess appeared in the doorway, Charlotte held in the crook of her arm.
“And why would she be doing that?” She asked, a wry smile at my enthusiasm. “She loves her mommy too.”
“Because she’s a little girl who knows that the rewards will be greater from her daddy. And of course she loves her mummy, and she’s not the only one.” I kissed them both. “Ready to come home Lottie?” The little girl held out her arms as I took her from Jessie.
“You spoil her you know?”
“And the three of you don’t?” Tracey looked away guiltily and Jess went red. I smirked. “What time will you be home tonight love?” I asked as Lottie settled on my hip, trying to pull on my ear.
“I might be a bit late; I’ve got to get the Johnson’s wedding album ready for tomorrow.” She sighed.
“Well don’t be too late; Charlotte and I might have a surprise for you.”
“Exactly what are you planning?”
“Just a little bribery and encouragement. See you later. Wave to mommy Lottie.”

I set Charlotte down in the middle of the front room. “Does daddy’s girl want a biscuit?”
“Dada. Bikkit.”
“All right then. Come and get it.” I produced a digestive and held it up for her to see. She crawled over, but found she couldn’t reach where I was holding it. She pulled herself up me and stood on her feet, wavering slightly. Carefully, so as not to disturb her balance, I backed away a pace or so, still offering her the biscuit. Then, tentatively, what I’d been hoping for happened. She took a few steps and grasped hold of the digestive! “Good girl!” I scooped her up and hugged her. She gurgled happily and began to suck on the crumbly biscuit. “Can you do it again for Mommy when she gets home?”
“Mama.” She said, waving her hands, throwing crumbs everywhere.

I was beginning to think I might have to put Charlotte to bed when Jessica came in. “Okay Jess. Sit down and I’ll get you a coffee.”
“All right, I’m not one to turn down a drink, but why is Charlotte not in bed.”
“Because we have something to show you.” I called out from the kitchen.
“If she’s cranky tomorrow, you’ll be in trouble.” Jess warned.
“Believe me Jessie, this is worth it.” I said, bringing her coffee in on a tray with a couple of digestives.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a biscuit Jess.”
“I know that, but I don’t have biscuits with my coffee this late.”
“I never said it was for you. Offer it to Lottie.” A light dawned in my wife’s eye.
“That sort of bribery eh?”
“Just do it Jess.” She sighed and held out the biscuit towards Lottie.
“Charlotte, want a biscuit?” This time I had got my camera out and was snapping the toddler in action for the collection.
“Bikkit!” Lottie pulled herself up onto her feet and teetered over to her mother, grasping the digestive before plonking herself down on her bottom and sucking on the biscuit.
“Oh you beautiful girl!” Jess exclaimed, picking up the surprised Charlotte and kissing her. “And you, you sneaky Daddy you.” She kissed me too.
“Your idea Jessie. You said all she needed was to want something badly enough and she’d do it.” Lottie was waving her hand again, showering her mom with crumbs from the biscuit. Jessica gave me a look that said ‘Couldn’t you have found a more solid bribe?’ I scurried off to find the vacuum cleaner.

“Daddy, I don’t want to go.” Charlotte wailed.
“Why not? You enjoyed Nursery School didn’t you? This will be like that.”
“But it’s EVERY day daddy. I’ll hardly ever see you or mommy.”
“Good job too!” Jessie said. Charlotte and I both looked at her in surprise. “She needs to learn to be herself, not just our child Dave.” I nodded slowly. I understood the theory, but it was still difficult. “Just go and check with the Head that our arrangements to pick Lottie up are fine, while I have a word with Miss clever here.” Sighing, I walked over to the Head Teacher who nodded at me benevolently.
“Problems?” She asked.
“Nothing that her mom won’t sort out. Jess is so much better with the serious talking; I tend to give in to Lottie too easily.” She smiled and patted me on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. Lots of dads are the same, especially with daughters. Moms are much more practical.” I brightened up.
“And I thought it was just me.” We grinned at each other. “Anyway, the reason I came over was to check it was all right to keep Charlotte back until one of us turns up to fetch her. It’ll usually be me, but occasionally I get delayed. If it looks like I’ll be late, I’ll call. If I think I won’t make it by quarter past, Jess will come and fetch her. Is that all right?”
“Don’t worry, there are several after school clubs she can get involved in until half past three.”
“Thank you. It’ll never be later than that, I assure you, even if I have to bring the Dustcart over!” We grinned at each other again.
“It looks like your other half has worked her magic.” The Head said, nodding in the direction of my two lovelies. I nodded and walked back.
“Sorted?” I asked them. Jess nodded and Charlotte looked at me shamefaced.
“I’m sorry Daddy; I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
“I’ll always worry about you princess.” I kissed her head. “Now go on in and I’ll pick you up at three.” She trotted off, waving. Jessica looked at me and sighed.
“What are you like? You know she’ll enjoy it, but you just have to worry don’t you?”
“Of course I worry.” I smiled and kissed her. “I worry about you too.”
“You’ll never change will you?”
“I hope not.”
“Me too.”

I was a bit nervous waiting outside the school. I felt so out of place amongst all the young mothers. I was old enough to be the father of most of them. They were curious about me, but started to talk to me when they realised I was collecting my child the same as they were. The children came pouring out of the doors at three. Charlotte came bouncing up to me pulling another little girl with her. “Daddy, this is Maria. She’s my new bestest friend!” I smiled at her zeal.
“Pleased to meet you Maria.”
“Hello sir.” She said shyly.
“We played football and beat the boys.” Lottie spoke excitedly. “Maria was brill. She scored our goal!”
“I learnt how to play with my brothers.” The little girl said, blushing at Lottie’s enthusiasm. “I must go, my mommy is waiting. See you tomorrow Lottie.” She left with a wave.
“Oh, you want to come back tomorrow now?” I teased.
“I was being silly this morning daddy. I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in.” Charlotte looked up with her eyes shining with enjoyment. I leant down and kissed her.
“That’s my fault princess. You get that from me. You should be more like your mother is now.”
“She doesn’t worry?”
“She worries, especially about us, but she doesn’t let it get in the way like we do.” I took her hand and we walked towards the car. “Now then, tell me about what you’ve been doing apart from playing football.”

I was checking my camera equipment before the airshow the next day when Charlotte came up behind me. She spoke in her special ‘pleading’ voice.
“Daddy, can I come with you tomorrow?” I stopped what I was doing, turned around and looked at her. She meant it; there was a serious look on her face.
“Of course you can sweetie. I never asked because I didn’t think you were interested.”
“Well, if I don’t go I won’t find out, will I?”
“That’s a good point sweetheart.”
“And I am seven now you know.”
“I remember how old you are.”
“And what about mommy? We can’t leave her on her own.”
“She might actually enjoy that.” I grinned. “But let’s go and ask her shall we?” She took me by the hand and led me into the kitchen where Jessica was ironing. I had offered to do it, but she’d laughed and said that Charlotte’s school clothes needed to be done properly. “Jess?” She looked up. “Lottie has something to ask you.”
“Yes love? What is it?”
“Well mommy, we were wondering if you wanted to come to the airshow with us.”
“Oh, you finally asked daddy did you? And he said yes?”
“I did, but I don’t want to leave you here alone. So, will you come with us mommy?”
“Actually, yes. It would make a nice change. It’s been a while since I photographed some aeroplanes.”
“I didn’t know you liked to take pictures of planes Jess.” I said.
“Well I am a professional photographer who used to be in the RAF.”
“I keep forgetting that bit. All right then, we’ll start out early tomorrow morning then.”
“Good idea. I’ll need to pop into the shop on the way and pick up a few things.” As I nodded I caught a glimpse of Charlotte’s face. She was looking thoughtful. Jess saw the look too and imperceptibly shook her head. Leave it for now, I thought. Jessie knows something I don’t.

As I pulled up outside Jessie’s studio and she opened the car door Charlotte spoke from the back seat. “I wish I had a camera too.” I turned around and looked into her serious face.
“Why’s that princess?”
“Well, you and mommy will be taking pictures and I’d like to as well. I know what to do; I’ve watched mommy and Alan.”
“You’ve left it a bit late to mention this darling; I might have been able to find my little camera.”
“Oh.” The crestfallen look on her face nearly broke my heart.
“I’ll let you borrow mine while we’re there. With your own memory card, so you’ll know which pictures are yours, how’s that?” She perked up a bit.
“Thank you daddy, that will be nice.”
Jessica had returned with her camera bag and put it in the back with the picnic gear. She slipped back into the car and smiled. “Okay, I’ve got everything I think.” She turned around and spoke to Lottie. “You all right sweetie?”
“Daddy says I can take some pictures with his camera!”
“He did? Well, that’ll be nice.” She looked at me and gave me a grin that I recognised. She was up to something! I gave her a questioning look but she ignored me. “Let’s go then, off to the airshow.”

The car park was almost half full even though the gates had only just opened. I turned off the engine and looked at the two glowing faces in the car with me. “Before we have a look around I suggest we get the chairs and go and stake out a spot. I know a good place.”
“I should hope so; you’ve been coming here for years.” Jess said, getting out. “Come on then poppet. Grab your seat and we’ll follow daddy.”
“What about the cameras?” The little girl asked.
“We’ll pick them up after we’ve got our spot.” I smiled at her earnest look; she so wanted to take some pictures. “Don’t worry; you’ll get your chance.”
It didn’t take long to put up the chairs and peg the windbreak around them so we were soon back at the car. Charlotte waited impatiently as Jess and I fiddled with our cameras and lenses. Jessie smiled at me and pulled a second camera from her bag.
“Look what I’ve found. Now why did I pick this up?” A huge grin split my face. Charlotte looked up expectantly, not daring to make a suggestion. “I think I’ll take this one too, if I can find someone to carry it for me.” She looked around slyly.
“I’ll do it mommy!” Lottie couldn’t get the words out quickly enough.
“Will that be all right? I mean, you can’t borrow daddy’s camera if you’ve already got one can you?” It was too much. I burst out laughing. Jess did too. Charlotte looked at us perplexed. “Sorry both of you.” Jessie managed to say. “But I knew that was what Lottie was angling for all the time, so I thought I’d tease her a little bit. I didn’t expect you to offer her yours though.”
“You didn’t see the look on her face.”
“I’ve seen all the looks she can give Dave, and you’re so gullible when it comes to Charlotte.”
“Mommy.” Lottie piped up; she’d been following the conversation whilst looking at the camera intently. “Does this mean I can take some pictures?”
“Yes dear. The camera is yours for the day. If you can take care of it, you might get it for longer.” Charlotte positively beamed with joy.

“Daddy, can you put my pictures on your computer now, so that I can see them?”
“You should be getting ready for bed sweetheart, it’s getting late.” She looked downcast. “I’ll tell you what; I’ll put them on now, and if it doesn’t take to long, you can have a quick look before you go to bed, how’s that?” She nodded and scurried off to wash and change into her night things. I plugged the memory card in and began to download her pictures. Jessica came up behind me and leant on my shoulders.
“You are such a sucker for her; she’s got you wrapped around her finger.”
“I don’t mind. Anyway, don’t you want to see how she did?”
“Actually yes. She was so serious about the settings, trying to remember the things she’s seen at the studio. Not like you, Mister point-and-click.” She laughed.
“I get some good pictures!” I retorted.
“You get lucky sometimes.”
“You’re teasing aren’t you?”
“Of course I am. You’re pretty good for an amateur. If you took a bit more care you could be very good.” She leant forward and kissed me on the forehead. The download completed. I hovered the mouse over the new folder marked ‘Lottie’s Pix’.
“Ready?”
“Go on, let’s see.” I clicked and the two hundred or so pictures came onto the screen. We scrolled through them, marvelling at our daughter’s aptitude. There were quite a few that were as good as mine, even some as good as Jessie’s. Suddenly we both stopped and stared at one in particular. “Open it to full size.” Jess said hoarsely. I did so. It was a picture of the two of us in a familiar pose, the pose from all those years ago. “I don’t remember doing that.” She said.
“Nor me.”
“You do it all the time.” A little voice said from behind us. “I just waited and clicked. I thought daddy could add it to that file with all the others the same.”
“How did you know about that?”
“I’ve seen you looking at it daddy, mommy has one too.”
“She does?”
“I do.” Jess sighed. She knelt next to Charlotte. “Thank you sweetie. Just for that picture, you can keep the camera; I think you’ve earned it.”
“Oh, thank you mommy.” They hugged, a tear forming in the corner of Jessica’s eye. I knelt beside them.
“Charlotte, thank you. That was a beautiful thought. You’ve made us both very happy.” Charlotte beamed. “But I think you better go to bed. We can look at all your pictures tomorrow.”
“Okay daddy, goodnight.” She kissed us both and picked up her camera and went upstairs.
Jessica and I looked at each other for a while.
“It looks like we did something right with her Jess.”
“It does.” She looked thoughtful. “There’s something else too.”
“What?”
“I think it’s about time we had a new picture pose.”
“Not just the two of us you mean?”
“Yes. We’ve both got loads of pictures of Charlotte with one or other of us, but very few with all three of us. So, tomorrow morning, we’ll take a new photograph.”