© Copyright 2005, Benjamin Timothy Dyer
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No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

DIVISION.

CHAPTER 1: THE CHASE.

 

Time, he needed time to think, but as she shouted out for him to leave, her father was heading out of the back door.

“Call the dogs Henry, call the dogs; set them on him!”

Jason found his feet felt heavy has his cobbled boots thumped heavily upon the damp lawn. “Think man think, which way?” The trouble was the moonlight had disappeared and all was left was dark shadows until the moon could find its light again when a passing cloud went on its way.

A yellow flash was seen followed by the noise of the realization Carrie's father was hunting him down like some damned prized trophy.

“Okay Jason, take a left and you'll be over the fence in no time.” He mumbled to himself as his heart pounded in his ears the need for haste. Then from out of the darkness came the hounds cutting off the way out.

The dogs barked even more as they closed on the scent of a desperate man. They could see him far better now as he double backed round a greenhouse and ran back towards the house. They picked up the chase.

Jason had little choice but to back round and as the moon found the light another figure stood with rifle raised, a classic hunting rifle, single shot and deadly.

From the distance a young lady screamed out to her father, “Don't hurt Jason daddy, don't!”

“I should have chased you off sooner you scoundrel!” The man barked.

“Mister Claybourne please, you wouldn't shoot an innocent man. I came to…”

The rifle went off sounding like an echo as it did and in an instant Jason knew it wasn't good for him. He felt a burning sensation in his head and a kind of blindness over one eye. He staggered back a little.

“Teach you to trespass upon my property lad. Now run before I think better and kill you.”

“Don't be, ah! Don't be so sure…you haven't sir.” Jason shouted at Mister Claybourne as he ran away.

“Daddy…no!”

Claybourne looked at his daughter. “You harlot! How dare you dishonour our family name like that; especially with a commoner, a man of the earth!” He grabbed hold of her arm feeling her trying to protest. “It's no good fighting your fate; you will be sent to London and you will be under lock and key until your day comes.”

“But Jason…”

“Higgins, Higgins!”

The man came scurrying across the lawn. “Yes my Lord.”

“Call the police, I want that scoundrel jailed.”

“At once sir, I shall inform the local constabulary of the situation.”

 

The road home for Jason felt strangely blurred and a very light headed kind of walk. He touched his head, it was bleeding badly.

“Don't pass…out now.” In the distance he could hear above the buzzing in his ears the local police in their car ringing away on their route to Lord Claybourne's residence. He cursed himself for that lack of judgment on going up and as he stumbled once more finding the reassuring arms of a bush he smiled at this all and knew it was worth it, just to see Carrie's beautiful features once again.

The gate to his place beckoned him in and as he stumbled up to the door the world was going dreadfully dark.

 

Inside Claybourne chaos ensued as father shouted at all about him in a blind fit of rage.

“I want the police to track him down, he's going to prison and that is where he will live out the rest of his life!”

“Father you must listen to me!” Carrie shouted as her heart raced and felt as if it was going to explode from her chest.

“Listen to you…a harlot, a woman who deceives her own father.”

“Blood my lord, there has been found blood just past the grounds.”

Lord Claybourne frowned as he was disturbed from his line of thought. “What Henry, what are you talking about?”

Henry took a deep breath. “The grounds man found fresh blood on the gate and beyond; must have winged the poor gentleman.”

Claybourne barked at the man. “Poor? He will be poor once he is in jail!” He looked at his watch, “Where's that damn constable?”

Henry gracefully glided up to Carrie's side. “Don't worry my lady, I have sent Butterfield off to contact Doctor Bates. We all know your friend will be heading home.”

“Thank you Henry.” Carrie swallowed back tears.

“Pardon me miss, you are allowed to cry.”

She shook her head as she glared at her father coming back; “Not here, not to him, I shall not give him the satisfaction of breaking me.”

“A wise choice my lady, a very wise choice.”

“Henry! Call the police station once again.”

Henry nodded and was just about to go his business when he distinctly heard the bell from an approaching car. “No need, the police have arrived.”

Claybourne stared hard at his daughter. “And you, you will pack. Tomorrow you must be away.”

As he walked away Carrie had the nerve to shout back at him. “I am to be packed off like you did mother.”

Claybourne spun fast round and glared back at his daughter. “Your mother was never a prostitute.”

Jack Jones puffed on one of the few pleasures he had in this life; his pipe, a glass of whiskey as he sat reading a book about a hound upon the moors. Suddenly the door flew open making him jump a little.

“Damn it Jas, you almost made me drop me pipe in fright. So, where have you been? I bet you went off down tut pub spending your weeks wages.” He placed his book down and rested his eyes whilst adding another reminder. “Don't want you being sick on the floor, use me bed pan and empty it out in morn'in.”

Jason couldn't reply, his mind spun and his heart was racing, it was all a bad dream he said to himself, or was it out loud as the black took the light and the floor took his body.

“What are you twittering on about?” Jack replied to the garbled sounding man. “Whisky is a man's drink laddo and not a mere boys. Dreams, you won't be hav'in, just nightmares this eve.” Then as stood up walking round the chair he'd been sat in he saw a dark red mark upon the wooden floor, it was spreading out slowly.

“Oh my lord, what have you been into?” Jack raced over and upon seeing his son's pale face and a large bloody red hole in his skull he knew all wasn't right.

Just as Jack heard nothing breaking the silence, all except the mantle clock ticking away oblivious to the confusion and chaos here, a knock came from the door. He hesitated just a little caught in the indecision of it all; he decided to go for the door.

“Hello Jack, I got a call saying that your son had been caught in…one can only describe it as an incident over at Claybourne Manor.”

Jack stared hard as his head spun, all dizzy from the rush of blood to the head…the head, his son. “Ah yes, he's collapsed… on the floor.”

Bates had seen many wounds and injuries in his time. The great war had been a bloody affair and serving as a field surgeon he had had to patch loads of soldiers up. The flashbacks often hit him thick and fast, especially in the early hours of the morning; still a swift gin and tonic usually sent him off.

“Floor? In which room?”

“Just through in lounge, his head is messy, I was just…” Jack froze when he saw the doctor freeze. “Anything the matter?”

The vision of the way the man was laid out made him freeze. Not the usual manner in which you found a patient, more like a corpse gunned down in a field. The bombs exploded and gunfire rained down upon him as he moved closer to another dead man, all pale and stiff. Then as he knelt down the visions of the past fell away and Bates could see Jack's son was alive and not in a soldiers uniform.

“Ah, nothing the matter. He's alive… been shot in the head above the left eye. I really don't know how he is living, but he is.” Bates looked up at Jack. “Though Mister Jones, I cannot say for how long, the wound looks bad and head wounds are very awful.”

Jack froze and stared at his boy, the only son and close relative he had left; “What can I do?”

“First thing is; I'll need to call an ambulance, may I use your phone?”

Jack shook his head, “Don't have one, never been able to afford expensive things like that.”

“Okay, you can drive can't you?”

“Yeah, drove transport during last war.”

“Take my car and hurry down to my surgery; call them there.”

“What are you going to do doc?”

Bates knew Jack was in shock and so took a deep breath. “While you are away, I am going to make our patient ready for the long journey to hospital.” He watched as the old boy just stood there so he had to be firm. “Damn it man, move it! Your son's life depends upon your swiftness in this matter.”

With that wake-up call ringing in Jack's head, he took the keys and fired up the car and was off to the village.

 

It seemed like an eternity for Doctor Bates as he looked at the wound and dressed it up. He checked every so often the man's pulse and the regularity of his breathing and all seemed to be well and turned out even better when he had taken a swift shot of whiskey. Then as he looked round at the gentle sleeping giant of a man he found a few flashbacks...

“Hawkins, how bad is it? Is it as bad as they say?”

Hawkins a young captain grinned; “Oh don't worry too much we'll have them licked you can bet on my lucky lady for that.”

Bates took a look at the man's lady and she was a pretty picture. “Your wife to be then?”

Hawkins grinned even more, “An artists impression of my ideal woman; fine curves a plenty and a fine housewife. We'll have children like rabbits and a big house with fields.” Then his smile dropped a little, “Not a mud infested rat hole.” Before it reappeared again in the form of a joke; “Just want to take a look at the muddy swimming pool out there, hasn't been cleaned for weeks.”

“Poor man, can't do much sunbathing with all those Hun's hogging the poolside.” Bates finished on another wounded man and tapped him on the good shoulder. “Now take care of that, and keep it away from the damp.”

Hawkins waited for his man to leave. “No chance of that, our digs are swimming in mildew, rations are low and so is moral. I don't think a lot of us will come back tomorrow, not against those machine guns; awful things, like lambs to the slaughter.”

“What have we got?”

“We can pound them as they pound us with shells, though when it comes to close up fighting, we don't stand a chance, not unless we can take out those guns.”

“Can't a team go in undercover at night and have a go?”

Hawkins laughed, “That has already been put to the General, but he says a slow walk over enemy lines will scare them into a retreat.” His hands shook at the thought. “Don't have a cigarette do you?”

“I have loads, you know that, can't abide those things and what they must do to the human body.”

“Don't worry dear boy, tomorrow I'll have lead to contend with, but I intend to give some back; give old jerry as bad a time as we are having.”

“That's the spirit!” Bates felt he had to try and keep moral as high as he could and added another thing. “Here, take them all and share them around, give the lads something to do; might stop the old nerves and thoughts about tomorrow.” Then as he placed an old looking big wooden box onto the table he asked; “When tomorrow?”

“Ah, about the time the cock crows. As soon as we can see who we are shooting at, we will go over the top.” Then as he picked up the big box full of cigarettes and matches he added. “Thanks for these, my lads will love them and you. Just make sure you do me one more thing.”

“What's that?”

“Take care of Elaine for me; keep her safe until I get back.”

Bates found the picture of Hawkins personal ideal of a woman and picked the card up from the table.

“And if I don't come back, go and find her and marry her for me. You are my best friend and I'd like him to have the best of women.”

He found himself feeling a lump coming into his throat, though showing emotion was not a done thing. “Don't talk like that, I'll keep her safe until you come back through that door.”

“Thanks.” Hawkins was just about to leave when he was called back.

“You are my best friend in this war and afterwards Hawk.” The man just nodded as he took his gift and left.

Bates sat there and stared hard at the lady and realized that an artist's impression of an ideal woman would never be true to life. In his mind, as soon as you married a fine young filly, she soon became a larger than life round woman who would bully you about, giving you little peace of mind. Unless of course you married a rich girl or a movie star…

“How wrong you were Bates!” The doctor shouted out as his memory maze dissipated to find another drink beckoning to steady the nerves.

“Bates, Bates!” Shaftsbury shouted into the man's left ear. “Get up man, it's been a bloody massacre. We are on the retreat, thousands perished out there, thousands in one hour!”

Bates awoke with a start. “What are we doing?”

“Got the call to go over about a few hours back, we heard nothing then the reports came in. Our men walked up to the line and were butchered. Survivors are heading in as we speak, though our superiors want us to withdraw.”

The chaos of the evacuation was chaotic and a mad panic as the spike helmets of the enemy could be seen, along with the reach of the repositioned guns were beating hell out of their former barracks. Bates helped many that day to evacuate and saw many more blown up or shot where they stood. He remembered one of the officers shouting out; “Hold the line!” before being engulfed in a shell explosion.

He never saw his friend again by the name of Hawkins, a casualty, one of many who's name would be remembered but his body never recovered. All Doctor Bates had was that picture of his friend's ideal loved one. The man was twenty two when he went over the top.

 

The bell from the ambulance finally jerked his mind from the past as he rushed over to check his patient. Pulling out a tin of mints he helped himself to a few to rid the smell of the drink.

“Time is wasting away gentlemen; we need him over to Saint Mary's as fast as you can.”

Jack looked about him picking up a few things essential for the journey. Then he spied the bottle.

“Okay mister Jones we better hurry.”

Jack took a look at the doc, “Aye, but I will drive your car.”

“No, I can drive and follow the ambulance.”

He raised the glass and took a look at its crystal shape. “I would prefer it if you kept an eye on my son and was prepared to talk to one of the doctors at the hospital about my boy's condition.”

Bates took the hint and sighed before whispering, “I am not drunk, just a glass or two to steady my nerves.”

“And what about my son's health?”

“I am a fully trained surgeon; I will handle your son and do all I can to keep him alive.”

Jack knew about the man's past and all he had seen. “Okay doctor Bates, I trust you with my son's life; just do what you can without a drink eh?”

Bates nodded, “Understood, now let's go.”

 

The ride to the hospital was a long bumpy one and Jack had to keep his mind on following the ambulance and not allowing his mind to wander in memories of a young boy whom he had to father from a very early age. Mrs Jones was a woman with a fiery disposition, yet the battles of words he and she had were the fire to ignite a love. This love survived the past war and after he had returned to the cottage she had bore him a son with piercing blue eyes and jet black hair. The horrors of war were not for Jack, as he didn't see much of it working for the war office. The closest he came to it was sifting through reports of dead loved ones and other nastiness that he read about in local paper. But nothing prepared him for his wife's departure from this world.

He had noticed over the past few years a strange look upon her face, they had moved from city to countryside to reside in a peaceful village of Low Bridge . Jack had worked hard and with the savings he had got them a lovely small cottage in which he still resides. His wife went to work for the Claybourne's and soon felt unease. Jack himself didn't worry about that as he was often employed to do carpentry his main career there. The Claybourne's recommendations aided him in getting other work.

One particular day he came back home and his son was crying; there was a strange silence to the rest of the cottage.

“Where's mummy Jason, where is your mother?” The small lad shook his head. Jack followed his instincts and went into the back garden and there at the end was a small gate which led out to the fields yonder. But in between the fields there was the banks that led down to the railway track. He ran down the bank and as he looked down the left and then right he could see her running away. Why would she be doing this? Was a question he would always ask himself as he ran after her. Then before he could do so he observed a speeding train heading her way. Their was little he could do as she saw him, smiled and let the train as it was trying desperate to stop, hit her.

A passing car tooted him as he swerved onto the right side of the road and back behind the ambulance as it pulled into the hospital.

“Don't worry mister, you son is in safe hands.” One of the stretcher men said as he and his colleague took Jack's son into the hospital.

“This the head case?” questioned a rather young looking doctor as he walked briskly to take a look.

Bates un-rapped the bandage as the stretcher crew slowed for the new doctor. “Haven't seen one of these since the war.”

“Yes, a clear shot to the skull, I'd wager bone fragments are inside along with the bullet.” He looked at the stretcher bearers. “Take him down to theatre while I prep.”

Jack didn't like the sound of this. “I thought you were working on my boy?”

Doctor Bates smiled, “I'll be supervising. Anyway this young man is one of the best in his field. I'll get one of the nurses to make sure you are cared for while I look after your son.”

Jack cracked a little, “Don't want to lose him like my wife!”

Bates nodded, “We will do all we can Jack, that's a promise.”

 

“Excuse me sir, are you Jason Jones father?”

Jack looked up from his chair and saw a policeman addressing him.

“Yes he'd be my boy.”

“Do you know where he is? I need to speak to him.”

Jack looked the man straight in the eye, “It's obvious isn't it lad, he's in here, been shot.”

“I do, but in which ward is he?”

“He's in surgery, a bullet to the skull, now if you'd leave me be and my son for now.”

“I can't do that sir; he's under suspicion of trespassing on private grounds.”

“Just arrest him and leave the boy until we know he is going to pull through. He is a perpetrator in all of this. He has worked for me in the past and knows where I keep the family silver.”

Jack stood. “Lord Claybourne a pleasure sir.”

Claybourne looked at the man and continued on his superior sounding tone. “Spare me the pleasantries. You sent your son on an errand to steal my silver.”

“Why would me son want to plunder your family silver?”

“Because you are in need of money to see you into your old age. Your son is a hopeless carpenter and will need all the money he can get to help his sad useless life out of a hole. It's not the first time is it?”

“How dare you speak of my boy like that!” Jack spat; “He hasn't got a criminal mind, he's much like his mother was, he loves people too much.”

“Is that why your wife committed suicide?”

Jack snapped and went for the taller man and was only stopped by the sergeant steeping in to separate the two, “Now pack it in right now, otherwise I'll have both of you in jail for brawling in a public place.”

“Just do your job and arrest this maggot.”

Jack straightened up his jacket as he addressed the sergeant; “I'll keep my hands off of the lord here. But hear me out; Jason went over to meet with Miss Carrie, they love each other you see. That is why he went and that is why he was shot, so Claybourne here could be rid of my boy as well.” He cocked Claybourne a sideways look; “Trespassing and theft, is that all you could come up with. Miss Carrie will tell you the truth. ”

“I'm sorry old man, Carrie didn't witness the incident as she was packing for London . Though I have three independent witnesses that saw your son entering my building and another three seeing him flee with silverware in his jacket.”

“That's a lie and you know it!”

“Did your son come back to your home?”

The police man gave Claybourne a frown. “I believe I should be the one doing the questioning here sir.”

Claybourne looked at the oaf, “Then do so my man, while this is fresh in Jones' mind.”

“Mister Jones did…”

“Yes he came home to me and collapsed onto the floor.”

“Was he wearing a dark duffle type jacket when he came in?”

Jack thought through this and found the answer in his minds eye; “No sergeant, he didn't.”

“You see no jacket.”

“This doesn't prove anything.”

Just as words like this shouldn't be said a few policemen appeared. The sergeant walked over and a jacket was held up to the light. The man walked back as Claybourne grinned.

“Looks like the jacket to me old Jack.”

“Sir, can you identify the duffle coat?”

“Aye, it's me boys.”

“This was found by the railway line. Inside as you can see is a collection of silver artefacts that Lord Claybourne had listed as missing.”

Jack levelled eyes at the grinning rich man. “You set this up to make it look as if my boy stole those items. This is the only way you can cover up the fact that you tried to kill my son.”

“My dear fellow, just own up; he's been caught red handed, your boy is going to jail.”

“Not if he dies from your rifle shot to the head, then we will be looking at a different scenario; murder.”

“I'd doubt you would be able to have that charge stand in court. A burglar on my property and shot whilst defending myself. My gamesman was perfectly in his rights to defend my property.”

“You pulled that trigger Claybourne, why you!” Jack went for the man again and found the wrong arm of the law.

“I'm sorry mister Jones I will have to arrest you for aggravated assault in a public place.”

“But my boy, I need to be with my boy.”

Claybourne raised a hand to stop the sergeant from taking the poor chump away. “I will not be pressing charges officer. Let him go, I will be on my way now and will not be adding to the friction in…” He looked about him; “A public place. Just let the man be with his son, while he is still with the living.”

Jack wanted to land Gerald Claybourne with a right hook but was held firmly by the policeman and one of his colleagues. “Now do as the man says sir, otherwise I will be obligated to take you down town.”

Jack stopped struggling as Claybourne left the building. “He's the guilty one around here, not me, not me boy.”

“I will be stationing one of my men here to make sure the man I wish to talk to will not leave the building.”

“How can he leave the building? He's in surgery for a gunshot wound to the head!”

The sergeant ignored the outburst; “I'll be back in morning, don't run off now.”

 

Carrie had finished packing her cases and in tears as her maid helped her into her night clothes.

“Don't worry my lady, he will be okay.”

As soon as the maid left, Carrie sat down at her writing desk and penned a note to her love. Then after a short while she heard voices down below. Opening her door ajar she listened in.

“My daughter, is she in her room?”

“Yes my Lord, we are packed and she is resting; though still awake as her light is still on as I walked by.”

Carrie heard her father's footsteps, closed the door and rushed over making sure her inkwell was closed and all paper put away; the most important page hidden under her pillow. The door clicked open and in he came.

“I saw your light was still on and hoped you might not be yet asleep.”

Her father was using his soft hush hush voice to her.

“I was but I heard voices and so listened in. What has happened?”

“That scum Jones threatened me in hospital. The police wanted to arrest him, but I let him go.”

She let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding. “He's okay?”

“The old boy is just a little ruffled under the feathers that's all; as for your friend.”

Carrie stiffened, she misunderstood her father's initial comments; “What about Jason?”

“He's stable, nicked his head that's all. Be well again in no time.” Claybourne touched her hand. “I know you think me to be the villain here. But trust me; you cannot go through life thinking this first man you meet is the love of your life. Your mother said that her mother helped her like this and always had an expression; there's plenty more fish in the sea.”

Carrie took her hand away, “This pep talk is supposed to soften me up?”

“No my dear, but you still know very little about life and the sooner you are educated to the ways of this world you will find that it is not all seen through rose tinted glasses. This world is full of dog eat dog. I have seen so many horrors you'd be sick. I'm just trying to protect you from them and the biggest one is foolish love. There is nothing more destructive than marrying the wrong person, or falling in love with a picture of your ideal, then finding this picture was not the whole person. Inside the heart is what you need to search into and Jason Jones was not the right person of the heart for you.” He patted her hand once more; “Please trust me on this one; I know you think I have failed you and I'm sorry you feel that way. I only love you and want to protect you from… I just love you my dear.”

Carrie watched this man, her father lift himself off the bed and just wish her a goodnight. Though all he had just said did little to help her sleep.

 

CHAPTER 2: MORNING BLUES .

 

Henry took Miss Claybourne along to the station and found it to be void of life as the police were combing the track yonder for more silver.

“I'm sorry Miss Claybourne but I will have to take you into the town, the train isn't running this far up.”

Carrie nodded; “I was hoping we could go into town as I wish to drop off this letter to the hospital.”

Henry took a look at the sealed letter. “Of course, we may just have time before the train comes in.”

 

Jack awoke to clear the blurred vision from his eyes. He thought he had fallen asleep in front of the fire again, but the stiff back and a numb backside issued his brain a quick fire up to see he was in the hospital.

“Mister Jones sir.”

Jack rubbed his face realising he had a serious stubble problem going on here; “Sorry, I must look awful.”

“Understandable sir; I have been given a letter to hand to Master Jones, how is he?”

“Too early to tell I'm afraid.” Bates came out to the small party. “That's the trouble with guess work. He's in a coma Jack, we tried to get at the bullet but it's in there, though the skull fragments we got out.” He looked at the two flicking from one man's face to the other; “To be honest it's a miracle he's still alive. How long for, we just cannot say. Apparently my colleague thinks he's been lucky, the bullet from what he can tell missed all the areas the brain needs to function. Though until he comes out of the coma, there's no way of telling precisely.”

Henry sighed; “I wish it was better news, at least it is not the worst news one may have received.”

Jack took another look at Claybourne's hand; “You have a letter for Jason?”

“Yes as instructed by Miss Claybourne to hand it to you or your son.” He handed it over before distancing himself. “I must depart; you have my up most wishes your son gets fully well.”

“Just one more thing.”

“Yes sir!”

“Was my son stealing?”

Henry looked awkward at being asked this question, though honesty when not pressed by being threatened by the loss of his position was always paramount in his life. He moved his lips to indicate the following words without the sound; ‘no'.”

In Jason's clouded mind, visions came out like ghosts through the mist, no heavy fog. They came at him from all directions from Carrie to his father to finally a rifle raised and a slow bullet moving the fogs apart to bury its angry self into the forehead. Everything stopped and as he stared the fog cleared to a fine sunny morning.

Up before the cock crowed and the sun yet waiting to shine Jason Jones rose and took in this fresh spring morning. The mist held a kind of ice cold element to it as it threatened to make him cough. The mist also threatened to start freezing onto his hair. He didn't mind, he had jobs to do before breakfast. Muck out the pigs and make sure the chickens were fed just after the rooster named Hamish had announced daylight to all around here. Not that there was many who lived at this end of the village. The place was small and most knew each other and were friendly apart from the odd few, those being the gentry and one stern fellow by the name of Gerald Claybourne. There was always something about that man which sent a shiver down Jason's back.

Maybe it was to do with the fact of the stories that surrounded him. A German wealthy businessman who had escaped from his motherland at the end of the war? Maybe he kept himself to himself and all at arms length. Then again, Jason would feel like that if he felt a few anti-German citizens living in the camp. Jason didn't blame anyone. Wars were always being fought and it was like his dad always said; ‘it takes two to create a merry dance my son'.

The pigs were as usual only interested in food and he obliged them by pouring a load of slop into their trough while he went about them giving their living quarters a good clean. He thought about how all knew each others business in the place and no secret could be hidden, unless like Claybourne you had the money or prestige to do so. Why did that man keep coming to the foreground in his mind today?

“Hey son, are you going to clean that pigs den all day?”

“Sorry dad, just stirring things round in my mind.”

“Why don't you get washed and stir your porridge instead.” As Jack walked back inside he chuckled to himself; “Youngsters, always thinking too much.”

Jason took off his boots outside and walked in to the kitchen come dining room. “What have we got on today dad?”

“Some minor work.” He replied with half a mouth full of milky oats.

“Enough to see us through do you think?”

“Ah, you know how it is here. Folks don't have much money to be bothered in spreading it about on window frames, fascias and all that. Couple of fences need putt'in back up and a few panels made up. Money to keep the pigs fed in slop.”

Jason laughed as his dad pulled a comical face that he always did when joking about money. He had to give it to his old man, that when it came to money matters he had always seen them right.

“Ah a bit of gossip from Mrs Mellows I heard yesterday.”

“You should know better than to gossip with Mrs Mellows, just cause she runs the post office don't give her the right to talk about all and sundry.”

“Ah, she means well. All and sundry weren't on tut list; Claybourne was.”

“Aye, so?”

“More like Claybourne's daughter.”

“Aye I know her, Carrie.”

“Come on, don't pull straight face with me son. You two were childhood friends, can't not mean nowt to you.”

Jason smiled as he recalled the time they met. It was a hot summer's day. He often liked to go running about in the local spinney. He had a few friends more older than he was. They used to get fed up with him and wanted to do other things.

This one fine day he was running about in spinney when he saw the usual body of water. Okay so it wasn't the cleanest large puddle about. But it was cool and shielded from the sun.

Taking his clothes off he went skinny dipping. He was as happy as a sand boy when from her advantage point a girl called out to him.

“What a funny looking frog!”

He spun round looking for the source of the disturbance; “Who said that?”

“A frog that speaks; must be a boy frog.”

He found the source, “That's stupid, no such thing.”

“A man called Charles Darwin said it's possible.”

“Who is he? Does he live round here?”

“No silly!” The thin long blond haired girl replied as she made her way down to the waters edge. “He's a writer of sorts, a well educated man.”

“I don't know about him.”

“Heard of evolution?”

“What?”

“Means we change, we constantly change, from insects in this water to fully grow men and women.”

Jason frowned; “I just want to be a man. I want to fight in wars and die a hero. Then God will remember me and lift me up.”

Carrie took her boots off while he was playing a game of shooting things with an imaginary gun. “I want to be a nurse, look after the wounded like Florence Nightingale.”

“Who?”

“You don't know much do you?”

“I know how to carve wood and make things like picture frames.”

She eyed him up and down. “My father wishes the services of a man who can work wonders with wood. Who are you?”

“I am Jason Jones, son of Jack Jones carpenter extraordinaire.”

She laughed as she shook one of his wet and smelly hands; “I am Carrie Clayboure of Claybourne manor.”

“Gerald Clayboure is your father?”

“Yeap! That's my dad.”

“Is it true he lived in Germany during the last war?”

“Yes, he's half-German, half-English. He wanted to live here and so managed to leave just at the end of the war with my mother.”

“She's English though?”

“No, she is German and so in a way I am though born here of course.” She tilted her head sideways as she asked; “How about you?”

“My father was born in Newcastle and moved to London to make his fortune, so he says. He met mum sometime and they married; both British to the core, so my dad says.”

“I don't remember your mum, is she about?”

“No, died when I was three.”

“How come? Old age?”

“No, she was hit by a train as she ran along the track.”

“I'm sorry.”

“I don't remember much of that. What about your mum, she's not about is she?”

“No, she went away, apparently with a doctor and later died in hospital.”

Jason saw the look of sorrow, “How old were you?”

“Father says I was only a year or so old.”

He made the water ripple a little as his thoughts rippled making him come to a conclusion. “We are like brother and sister.”

“How come?” She pulled a puzzled look which screwed up her face.

“We both lost our mums and both have our dads, we are alike. So we can be brother and sister.”

“Okay, I'm your younger sister, though more intelligent and refined than you.”

“So refined that you won't take a dip in my pond?” Jason challenged.

She thought this dare through. “No, but Father will kill me if I come home dirty.”

“Can't be my sister if you are scared of getting told off.”

“If I do this, you will have to do something for me.”

“Just name it!”

Carrie thought it through, “No, later I will tell you, now turn around while I undress.”

Jason did as he was told until he was notified by the splashing of water that his new friend and sister was in. There they played in the murky water for what seamed ages, until the games were foiled by an angry looking man.

“My dear lord! Carrie your father will give you a hiding, especially playing in water with a strange boy.”

“It's okay Henry, he is my brother.”

A frown washed over Henry's face as he took this new development in. “Oh yes! And who might you be young master?”

Jason stood to attention and saluted the man; “I am Jason Jones son of Jack Jones the carpenter sir!”

“No need to salute me boy; though Miss Carrie you must come with me, it's way past your teatime.”

Carrie swam over to her watch, “Oh my! Four o'clock father will kill me!”

“Not so, just get quickly dressed and we shall endeavour to keep this from your father.” Henry looked over at master Jones; “Now be a gentleman and allow this young lady to dress.” Then he mumbled; “Never was allowed to any of this type of thing when I was a boy.”

As Carrie got dressed she caught Jason looking and stuck her tongue out at him and he did the same as Henry turned round.

“I should give you a clip round the ear boy, though I wish not to get my clothes dirty. I will give you one at a later date. Now come my dear, time is of the essence here.”

Jason watched them walk off and decided the time was for him to go and get back as his father might be disturbed as to his lateness.

 

“Why are you late my boy?” Jack asked as his son came wandering.

“What time is it Da?”

“Half-past four and half an hour late for your tea.” He laughed as he smelt his son; “I suppose you were out in that spinney again, swimming about day dreaming in the water.”

“I was and I met Carrie Claybourne my sister!”

Jack lost his smile; “You met Carrie Claybourne, who was with her?”

“No one; we went swimming together in the spinney.”

Jack pulled his son closer, “Now listen to me Jas; don't go round telling anyone here that you went swimming with Carrie Claybourne.”

“Why?”

“Let's just say that common folk like you and I shouldn't be seen swimming with daughters of gentry. It's not proper and would only create problems for your new found sister.”

When you were a child you either questioned further, ignored the advice or took it to heart and stood by your parent. Jason chose his father's words to be true even at the grand age of nine.

“Now I just hope that young Carrie has a good person to cover up what you both have been doing.”

“A strange looking man servant I believe. He wanted to clip me around the ear but didn't want to get dirty.”

Jack clipped his son round the ear for good measure and observed the look of shock from the boy. “That's the one that gentleman should have giv'in you my boy.”

Jason felt the sting on the back of ear subside as he recalled what Carrie had said; “Da, what happened to Carries mother?”

Jack winced as the memories came flooding back; “Best not talk about that son. I'll tell you when you are old enough to understand. Let's just say, she was taken to a special hospital and died there.”

 

“Henry! Where is my daughter?” A voice echoed out from the dinning room.

Henry in turn skidded to a halt on the highly polished wooden floor. Checking Carrie was out of sight from the partially opened door, he ushered her away with her personal maid. Walking gracefully to the door, where his master was reclining by an empty fireplace with a half-read newspaper at hand; he made his defence of the young girl.

“I'm sorry Sir. Miss Carrie was distracted by the calls of nature and I found her observing a number of insects in a pond.”

Gerald lifted his eyes from his paper and took a look at his manservant; “Pond you say? What kind of pond?”

“One in the local spinney sir.”

“And what happened?”

“When I found her I called to her and she was so startled she…”

“She what?”

“Fell in sir.”

Claybourne dropped his paper and saw Henry scurry over to pick it up for him.

“Please don't be angry at me Sir! If I could go back in time and change the way I called out, I'm sure I could have spared her the fall into smelly filthy water.”

“Was the water deep man?”

“No sir, only a few feet deep; nothing to cause concern apart from ruining that pretty white dress Miss Claybourne was wearing.” He put on his best remorseful face as he carried on; “I really am deeply sorry for ruining the dress and tea.”

“The dress will come out of your wages, as for my daughter; she will be barred from venturing out of the grounds unless you are present with her.” He looked at this snivelling servant; “Do I make myself clear?”

“Very Sir, as clear as crystal water…um.” He swallowed hard at the bad use of words here.

“Just you do. Now get my daughter ready for tea as fast as possible please.”

“Already on it mister Claybourne sir.”

“One more thing Henry, woodsman Mellows informs me that a boy often frequents those woods, did you see him?”

“That would be the carpenter's son Jason Jones.”

“A carpenter eh?” Gerald thought this through; “Okay Henry, go about your business.”

 

As Jason ate his porridge he thought about that question which was avoided.

“Dad.”

“Jason.”

“I was just wondering as I am older; what happened to Claybourne's wife?”

Jack's face seemed to age a little as he pulled a painful look; “Do I have to tell you about that sad time?”

“You did say you would tell me when I'm older; I'm older. Eleven years older to be exact.”

Jack shook his head; “Is there anything you never allow to be forgotten? I think you should be a scientist with that noggin of yours.” Jack put down his cup of tea. “Very well, the story is that Mrs Claybourne after giving birth to Carrie lost interest in her own child.”

“She rejected Carrie? How come?”

“It happens sometimes; women reject their child at birth, some mental thing.”

Jason picked up on something about the way he said this; “Though you don't think it was a mental thing, do you dad?”

“Mrs Claybourne wasn't mental, even though she was put away into a mental institute to live out her last few months before she took an overdose of laudanum mixed with other pain killers. That sure finished her off.”

“Case over, poor Carrie, never knew her mother.”

“Neither did you son.”

“I had three years.”

“You should have had more, only…”

“Only what?”

Jack shook his head, “I don't know. Your mother was so full of life and she was wonderful in every way. Then she just changed from a happy strong woman to a shadow of her former self.” He rubbed his forehead and felt upset at the end of her life.

Jason left his chair to hug his father; “We won't talk no more. I'll get the horse ready.”

“Yeah, best get ready to see what Claybourne wants us for this time.” He stopped feeling the need to add; “You knew your mother worked for Claybourne first before we were employed.”

“Never knew that dad. I'll go and get your things.”

After Jason went out his father felt angry and as he saw the china cup in his hand he brought it down to shatter on the wooden table. The pieces went everywhere; much like his heart was shattered that bad day when he lost his wife.

 

As Jason set up the cart with all he and his dad would need for whatever Claybourne wanted, he took another trip back to his childhood.

The sun was beating down upon the hot field as he ran across it to the wall, a big wall designed to keep unwanted visitors out. There was a gate he could have used but the wall was a challenge he wanted to overcome.

Finally Jason found enough pitted holes in the stone which allowed him to scale it and lay belly down on the top. A true snipers stance he thought as he peered over this walled garden and saw the vision of a young beauty. Carrie was there with what looked to be a microscope.

He made his was slowly down the wall to land upon the stones with more noise than expected.

Carrie looked over at the sudden sound of stones scattering about and gasped at the intrusion.

“Did I get you done?”

Carrie's brown eyebrows dropped into a frown; “Done?”

“Done… told off.”

“No, Henry bailed me out. He's a good manservant.”

“I could be your manservant and come to your aid like a knight in shining armour.”

“That's not what a manservant does silly! They look out for me, dress me, clean me and feed me.”

“I can do all that, when I'm older of course.” Then he looked at her microscope. “Only seen one of these once. A microscope; apparently they show things close up like binoculars or a telescope.”

“This one has one of your pond friends; legs aplenty and a funny odd looking skin.”

Jason looked at her and asked; “May I?”

“Sure, though I don't think I would go swimming in there again.”

“Oh, not very nice! Ugly looking thing; neither will I, not at seeing this creature close up.” Then he took his eyes away from the creature to look at this girl; “Must be very interesting looking at all of God's creatures under one of these.”

“I have loads of slides of various insects and plant life. Do you want to see them?”

“May I?”

“Only if you do one thing for me.”

Her eyes were very playful he recalled as he stared back into those dark brown circles; “Name it!”

“This is what you owe me from the other day.”

“Just name it, and I will do it.” Though in hindsight he should have been more like a gentlemen should; reserved.

“I want you to… take my father's pocket watch.”

He stood up from the ground where he had been kneeling to look at the microscope. “Carrie I can't, I've always been taught not to steel.”

“You'll just be borrowing it for me. I'll put it back on the table before he finds out its missing.”

“What table?”

“The one in the great lounge, he often leaves it there.” She looked at her quivering knight. “Come on my dear brother and knight.”

Jason found himself being led by this girl to the double patio doors which led to the place where the watch clearly sat.

“Go on sir knight, take your prize and bring it back to his lady, his princess.”

Jason took a deep breath as he entered the great room. He smelt the smell of money as the place reeked of wealth. The floorboards creaked expensive wood as he slowly made his way towards the small table by this big leather high backed armchair. He froze for a second as he heard movement from the hallway.

“Go on!” Carrie whispered; “You are nearly there.”

Jason turned round and shushed her as he went another one hundred and eighty degrees back round to begin his final task; the silver ticking pocket watch. He slid up to the back of the chair and reaching forward he found his left hand touching the cold metal. Then his fingers found the point in which he could lift it up from off the table. The only trouble was; his hand couldn't pick it up from off the small wooden desk.

“A thief I have in my hand, a common thief!” Gerald Claybourne yelled out as he applied pressure upon the small hand as he yanked the body that came with it towards the wooden table.

Jason yelped with pain at the sheer strength in that man's hand.

“What are you doing steeling my things young man? Answer me; otherwise I will give you a thrashing of your life!”

“I…”

“Father I asked him to do it!”

Claybourne turned to see his girl running over. “It was a dare; don't hurt him.”

Henry came rushing in at this point after his sensitive ears picked up on the sudden commotion in the lounge. “Sir! May I be of assistance? Ah it's Master Jones the carpenter's son.”

Claybourne bent the lads hand back; “Carpenter's son eh?”

“Yes sir.” Jason replied while still in pain.

“And common thief!”

Carrie rushed over to grab hold of her father's other hand; “Father, I did it! Please don't hurt him, I dared him too.” She was starting to cry with her pleading.

“Get me the boy's father; I want a word with him.” He instructed Henry before addressing his daughter; “And as for you Carrie, I expect more from my daughter than to associate with common riff raff. Go to your room and think over you rash actions.” He watched as she looked at the boy; “I said go to your room!”

Jason was in tears as his hand hurt from the grip; then it was gone.

“I am sorry that my daughter put you up to this. As a lady she should know better; it's a good thing she is going to boarding school after the summer is over.” He looked at the lad; “Now as for you, a good spell in a work house would get rid of the temptations of silver, gold…or women's wicked wishes.” Gerald smiled; “I'm sorry about my rash actions, do you forgive me?”

Jason was so shocked at the sudden change in the man's demeanour that he just nodded while wiping his eyes.

“I am particularly fond of this watch. It was given to me by a special loved one and I wish to keep it. But I'll let you have a look at it just this once.”

Jason felt his hurt hand reach out and take the fine time piece once more. It had German writing on the back and the time piece was solid silver. The watch face contained silver cogs visible on the inside with blue outer ring with the numbers on it. The hands were what looked to be solid gold. A pocket watch Jason knew was pretty unique.

“Beautiful.”

“And so was she.” A sorrow washed over his face as he took back the watch out of this boys grubby hands. “Now stay and have some lemonade, then your father will come and we can discuss this matter along with something else.

 

When Jack turned up and saw his son he knew all was not well.

“Your son is quite a lad mister Jones. He attempted to take a possession of mine.”

“I'm sorry Sir; I'm surprised he would do such a thing, I have always brought him up to be honest.”

“That I know as it transpires my daughter put him up to it. Now I am happy for this young man to be around my daughter as I feel she may help with his education. But I require your approval.”

Jack frowned; “My approval sir?”

“You are his father, the carpenter are you not?”

“Yes I am.”

“Your wife worked here in the past didn't she?”

“Yes sir she did.”

“A sad loss, you have my sympathies; a truly remarkable lady.”

“As I understand yours was as well.”

Gerald thought this all through before becoming all business once more; “I need some work doing round here. I wish to employ your services to fix doors and effectively check the old homestead is secure.”

“Aye, I can do that for you.”

“When can you start?”

“I am between jobs at the moment; I can start when you wish it.”

“Then start tomorrow and don't forget to bring your son along.”

And that was how it all started. Jason had lessons in the field of nature and other things from Carrie and a well educated manservant Henry who was in charge of watching over them. His father was under the close eye of Claybourne. Jason often found a shiver run over him and look about him to see the man staring at him in a cold fashion before breaking into a smile. This was the odd thing about him that Jason couldn't figure out.

Many summers more passed until Carrie got to ten and was sent away to finish her schooling. Now she was heading back to Claybourne manor and he would see her once more.

 

“Horse is fed and watered, the cart is loaded and all is well!” Jason cast his father a smile and saw him fail to return it. “Anything the matter Da?”

Jack nodded; “Just every time we go on up to that place, I feel something isn't quite right. Bad luck in our direction.”

“Superstitious nonsense; now come on dad let's get up there and see what Claybourne requires of us.”

The ride was a slow one with old Hercules at the end that gave all the power. He was a good horse and one that had it where it counted. He was once known to pull a van out of the ditch he was that strong. Now though, was the twilight of his years and all he could do was pull them along at a steady pace.

“Must find me a new method of transport someday, when we can afford it.” Jack mumbled as he took the reigns.

“Aye, we might be able to; if old Claybourne needs us for big stuff. You did tell him about all the houses faults when I was a mere lad. I guess he'll have to pay up.”

“If that's the case, he is only doing that because we are cheaper than his London connections.”

“Aye, we are and we will always be cheaper than those shysters.”

Jack looked at his son; all muscle and brave. It reminded him of when he was younger; all accept he never had real jet black hair. Still the confidence was there along with the youth. It's was strange how youth when giving way to middle age changes a man. And as you get older your confidence takes more of a battering. Still, nice to see it in your son.

The place looked much the same as when Jason used to roam around its halls and gardens; only the people looked older.

“Nice to see you again Master Jones; oh and of course Mister Jones.”

“Good to see you too Henry; is the Lord of the manor around?”

“Yes; he's outback sunning himself and Carrie…Miss Claybourne is back with us. A changed girl, much more like a pretty butterfly.

Jason's heart raced to see the young lady, his sister.

They were taken round the back a protocol which was unusual as all servant and tradesmen had to normally wait for the master to see them; somewhere out of sight. Then as they rounded the side of the building the sun blinded them as Jason observed two people basking in the sun; outlines only, as the brightness of day obscured their view.

“Mister Jones and Master Jones to see you sir.”

Claybourne rested his glass of lemonade down and sat up on the edge of his wooden recliner.

“Ah here you are! I need to talk to you both as I require some work doing on my old place.”

“Aye, that would be a pleasure Mister Claybourne sir.” Jack replied as Jason looked over at a girl all grown up. She ignored them and in a way he felt cheated.

“Good afternoon Miss Claybourne!” Jason added noting his elders giving him a frown. To his chagrin the now matured Carrie Claybourne just nodded at him in acknowledgement; nothing more said.

“Now come, I have to show you what I think needs doing.” Claybourne pushed the two men back the way they came.

“The double main doors bad; I did advise you to get them replaced a while back sir.” Jack added with decorum as he observed the rotting underneath and a hollow sound which indicated the door was rotten inside out.

“Yes exactly. I wish you to make me a new set. Make them regal looking; impress the visitors and all that.” He looked at Jason who was miles away; “Something wrong lad?”

He knew he shouldn't say anything, but he had to; “Just Miss Claybourne seems different somehow.”

Gerald laughed as he slapped the smelly thug on the back; “Of course she has changed. Something you lack; a fine schooling does that to a person. Carrie has been instructed by the finest minds of our time and taught how well bread women should act to…”

Jason finished the stalled sentence; “Towards common folk as my dad and I.”

“Exactly; sorry but that is the only way I can put it.”

Jack saw his son was about to object, he stepped in to pour water on the fire; “That's fine Mister Claybourne. We can knock you up a pair of sturdy oak doors; that will last you another century at least.”

Claybourne looked at Jason and the black look he was giving. Choosing to not goad the man further he responded to the older man.

“That's fine. I do need some of the windows looking at, my daughter's room is particularly bad; sticks all of the time.”

Jack took a step into the house and stopped.

“What is it?” Gerald asked looking worried; “A rotting floorboard?”

Jack grinned; “No sir, I wouldn't wish to dirty your house with me boots; either would Jason as he was mucking out pigs this morning.”

Gerald raised his eyebrows as understanding flowed into his conscious; “Then please feel free to remove them and follow me.” Though on hindsight looking at the men's socks he wondered if the boots would have been cleaner.

 

As Gerald showed them round and was showing Jack the sticky window frame, Jason looked out of her second window to see the girl, Carrie still reading a book. He admired her and from this vantage point he could see her fine figure through those light coloured trousers and flimsy summer top. Then to his shock she looked up and caught him staring back. Embarrassed he fumbled with the lock on the window pretending to be checking it for stiffness.

Claybourne noted the exchange of looks from his window being in the same room as the boy; “Come now and see what else I have for you to do.”

As Jack joined his son he whispered in the boy's ear; “Got caught staring there. If I was you I'd keep that object of your affections far away from you. We need this job and I'd hate to be kicked out of this job by your actions.”

Jason sighed, his father was right; a good paying job like this one would be very hard to come across again. The world was winding itself up over Germany once again and if war was to come out of this; hard times would definitely follow. They needed the money and staring at old friends who were little more than a ghost of the past was going to do no good here.

“When can you start?”

It felt like they had been here before as Jason's father answered; “I have nowt on at the moment; I can start as soon as you wish.”

“Make it tomorrow then!” Gerald replied as he noted his young daughter walk in with a tray full of lemonade.

“Looks to me as all have had a good meeting” Carrie addressed her father before looking at Jack and offering; “Lemonade for our guests?”

Jack took a look at his son who was swallowing; not for the fruit of the drink but the fruits of the woman. She had matured well and not lost any of her stunning looks. She looked much like that picture doctor Bates had shown him of his friend lost in the past war. Blonde shoulder length hair, dark eyes and slim.

“Lemonade gents?” Gerald echoed as he saw the effect his daughter was having on them.

“Ah no!”

“But Da?”

“No my son; we have to go and source our timber for those double doors. Now come, get our boots on and leave Miss Claybourne and Mister Claybourne to relax.”

Jason was going to protest further but with his father already vacating he just excused himself.

 

Once down the driveway Jack opened his mouth with a warning; “I tell you now son; keep yourself away from her. The Claybourne's are noth'in but trouble. If you cannot obey me as your father I will have to do this job alone.”

“But da, I was only looking.”

“I was only looking when I ended up marrying you ma; so I know the look of love and you have it. Now back off and leave the rich to themselves. Take my advice and go down pub and find yourself an ordinary lass; one who will cook, bare your children and make your home a nice haven of rest. In turn you will be happy and be able to provide for her simplest of needs; not the requirements of a rich lady who's heart is never content.”

Jason wanted to say other things but in his heart he knew his dad had the experience in love though how tragic it had turned out to be.

“So how come you ain't gone down pub and found me a new ma?”

Jack laughed; “What makes you think I haven't tried?”

“Ah, I know you dad, you have never as much looked at a woman let alone have thoughts of marriage again.”

He allowed Hercules the opportunity to speed up as home was in view by flicking the reins and using his tongue to make a kind of clicking sound.

“Once was enough; she was love of my life and I'd be lucky if I ever found another as good and dear to me as your mother was. A true rose and one that didn't demand all the time of the gardener if you know what I mean.”

“Aye I know what you mean.” Jason sighed as maybe Carrie was too far above his station as today's meeting seemed to indicate.

“Now there's Mary, a nice girl with a big heart.”

Jason snorted; “And big everything else; She's at least twenty stone and seems to eat when she makes mistakes at the grocers.”

“Must make a lot of mistakes then.”

Jason saw his father chuckle and say; “Well there's plenty more fish in this pond. Quite a large village you know and the town down yonder has more to offer. Why don't you take the bus down town tonight and have a drink on your da?”

“I couldn't; we need the money.”

“Ah there's enough in the old pot to treat my son to a pint or two.”

“I couldn't.”

“Never look a gift horse in the mouth especially coming from me.”

Jason inhaled deeply as he weighed matters up, the breath came out as this; “Okay, we both go to the local pub and have a drink or two. There you can give me pointers as to who I should be looking at. All except Mary Oakley okay.”

Jack put his free arm around his son; “Yeah no Mary's, only the good times of our friends.”

 

The public house was only about three quarters of a mile down in the heart of the village. The night was a warm one and it was just an enjoyable experience to not have to take a torch with you and no heavy coats. The summer nights were long and Jason could almost feel the heat in his mind. Then the memories were lost as he felt like his mind was being sucked backwards. Memories flooded his minds eye. He found himself staring at a silvery object; it was the watch as it spun round in front of his eyes. The ticking sound was powerfully strong in his ears. Then from out of nowhere a man stood in the shadows; a man dressed in a military uniform. He raised his gun and shot the pocket watch to pieces. The explosion of this noise made his mind and body shake.

 

“Doctor he's having some kind of fit!” The nurse shouted out as a stream of half sleeping staff woke up to give assistance.

Doctor Philpot shouted; “Strap him down and get something between his teeth. Try not to let him hurt himself too much if you can.”

It seemed to all intense and purposes that a host of people were sitting or holding the fitting person down as his body went into spasm after spasm. Finally the man stopped allowing the doctors to do their job of a damage report.

“Bloody gunshot wound; at least we know he isn't paralysed. Only hope his brain isn't damaged.” Philpot added to his colleague who just shook his head in agreement.

 

Suddenly the shaking ceased, the fog cleared and Jason was back to that summers evening walking with his dad. Was he in hell? No this was a heavenly evening.

“Something wrong? Not still brooding over Carrie are we?”

“No, this beautiful evening makes up for all of that. Just take it in! The smell of the fields, the birds twittering away; this is living!”

Jack took it in by inhaling the smell of summer; “It is that alright. This is what I live for, the simplicities of life. We have a roof over our heads, each other and a beautiful village in which to live. What more could a man need?”

Jason came and found the answer; “A good lady you were saying earlier.”

“Aye a good woman for my son. But it's not of paramount importance that; just good friends can do the trick.”

Jason grinned as he walked along admiring the evening's stillness which was in contrast to the public house. Inside there was a rude song going on and that was enough for Jason to wish he wasn't here.

“A couple pints of your best me'love and something for yourself!” Jack shouted above the final chorus of a well known sea shanty.

“Eh up! Struck gold have we?”

“Could say that; I've been employed by the lord of the manor.”

“What you and your son up there again? What did you do wrong?”

“Ah nothing; it's what we did right, the finest carpenters in the village.”

“That's because you are the only carpenters in the village.” Rosie joked as she poured herself a spirit.

“Why's your boy got a long face?”

“Isn't that what the barman said to the horse?”

She slapped him on the arm in a friendly way; “Oh you, Always the joker. Your boy looks all forlorn.”

“Ah he's seen Carrie and he hates songs with rude limericks; he'll cheer up with a pint of best inside his stomach.”

“Thanks for the drink and if you're planning to get stone drunk there's always room in my bed for you Jack Jones.”

Jack felt his face blush a little; “Aye Rose I'll keep your offer in mind.”

He managed not to spill a drop as he made his way back to the place his son sat who looked a little happier that the song was over.

“Think I pulled with Rosie.”

“Why? What did she say?”

“It's more of what she offered me.”

Jason frowned and was about to ask when his brain clicked into gear; “Ah; say no more. You not are you?”

“My son, I may like risky songs but I am a man of morals and of fear of what the village would make of it all.” He slid a pint over to his lad. “Anyway tonight is your night. I have it on good information from Joey that his sister will be down later looking as gorgeous as ever.”

“I guess I may be able to spare her a dance.”

Just as he said this old Guppy leaned over and with the smell of intoxication he threw a spanner in the works; “No she won't!”

Jack put his glass down; “What do you mean, no she won't?”

“Down town she is; there's a dance on at the town hall. All and sundry there; lads his age, the boys from the Raf and girls I reckon.”

Jack downed his glass and with a slight burp from the drink he declared; “Let's get down there then.” Looking over at the barmaid he apologised; “Sorry my love duty calls!”

“Well don't ever forget the offer my dear!” She called after him as he stepped out into the night, though really it was still light.

“Da, where are we going?” Jason asked as he ran out after him.

The man with eyes of fire allowed them to burn brightly in front of his son. “That's obvious that is; we are going down to hall and see the ladies.”

“But it's seven mile down yonder.”

“Aye, and we'll need to change; put on our Sunday best.”

“So calculations put together we have to go home get changed and walk the seven miles to town; the show will be over by then.”

“Yeah!” He replied as he looked round to see old Guppy just standing there; “Hey Guppy!”

“Yeah mate!” He replied as he pulled at his jacket and checked his reflection in the pub window, then turned round and pulled a toothless grin; “Last time I looked.”

“You still got transport?”

“Aye, an old'en; she's not much to look at but goes when pushed.”