Past Present

Free Preview Alex sat down before the computer to try his luck. “Are you paying with a credit or debit card Mr Parsons?” “Neither Fred, I’ve got cash.” It was while Norman was opening his wallet that another person approached the desk. “Good morning madam, may I help you?” Rachel asked. Alex looked up from his sitting position; there, towering above him, was his ex-wife; their eyes met. For once he had her at a disadvantage. “Good morning Judith, how are you keeping?” Despite her astonishment, it didn’t take his ex lomg to react. “What the bloody ‘ell are you doing here?” “So you know Fred then Judy?” Judy turned to her current amour, “Fred, Fred, what do mean Fred? This is bloody Alex who left me and Gemma in the lurch.” Alex joined in, “Yes, Normie, I’m the bastard who’s violent and lives on the south coast in luxury. You’re going to beat me up I believe.” Looking at the group from close quarters Rachel thought it much more likely that Judith would carry out any beating up. “Look ‘ere Thicko, I know why you’re here, you’re after your dad’s watch.” “Just the same as you then, Judy!” Alex snapped back. “Stop it, stop it, both of you! I don’t want the wretched watch; I just wanna go home,” Now it was Gemma’s turn to become upset. “You can come with me now dear.” “No she can’t you dirty old sod!” Alex “ called as he leant across the reception desk to grab Norman, but Norman was too quick for him as he made a hasty retreat towards the exit. “Get after him Rachel, he hasn’t finished paying his bill!” “Don’t you dare touch him girl!” Judith yelled as she rushed to cut off Rachel, The three of them arrived at the revolving door together and three corpulent entities crushed into a narrow opening effectively blocking it. It was at this precise moment that Mr O’Neil appeared on the front step. The situation reminded him 0f his time as a barman on Friday nights in Dublin. “Right everybody Calm down; I’m sure we can sort this out, friendly like.” With some difficulties three bodies, all ripe for Weightwatchers, disentangled themselves from the revolving door. Norman, as an experienced civil servant, had an excuse. “ I was just coming back to pay my bill when these two young ladies wanted to exit simultaneously with my entry, hence the traffic jam.” “That’s right Mr O’Neil sir, you see I was taking this lady and her daughter to the car park.” “Well done Rachel, and sir and madam we’re so sorry for the mix up, aren’t we Rachel?” Norman paid his bill and left; Rachel and Gemma returned to their now shared room; Rachel took her position next to Alex at reception. “I must thank you Alex for filling in; tell me, is that woman still with us?” “I’m afraid so Mr O’Neil, for a few days more, I believe.” Up in their room Judith started to interrogate her daughter. “Did you know ypur father was working here Gemma?” “Yes mum.” “Why the hell didn’t you tell me?” ”Because there would be a row like you’ve just had.” “Look Gemma, I just want you to have a decent present for your eighteenth.” “So does dad,” “I wouldn’t bank on that if I was you Gemma; your father will want to sell the watch and run off with the cash. He’s run off before leaving both of us in the lurch.” Gemma bowed her head, “I don’t really want granddad’s watch mum; I’d much rather he keeps it because it reminds him of grandma.” “Gemma he promised you the watch before he went doolally. Anyway he’s lost the flipping watch or more like it’s been stolen.” “The police might find it mum.” “I doubt the police round here can find their way home never mind find a watch.”