The Price of Butcher's Meat

12

FROM: charley@whiffle.com

TO: cassie@natterjack.com

SUBJECT: camomile tea!

Hi! Still no word. Working on the Headbanger principle that the only thing that travels faster than bad news is crap through a goose-Ive not started worrying-yet!

Here excitement piles on excitement-not sure if Ill be able to bear much more!

Thats called irony by the way-just in case youve completely forgotten everything Mr big-Dickenson at the comp taught you in English-though I dont suppose you heard much of what he said-above the roar of your randy hormones!

First-Toms sister Diana turned up! None of the strong hints Id had about her oddness prepared me for the reality. Not bad looking-small amp; trim-full of words amp; fuller of energy-or so it seemed to me-though by her own- amp; Toms-account-she spends so much time lying at deaths door-she must be a real hindrance to his milkman!

Death must be on hold today-way she came bursting in at Kyoto like a small tornado.

— I am just arrived-she proclaimed-let me sit down (which she did)-your raw sea air-a tonic I know for some-is too savage for my weak constitution. Where are the dear children (jumping out of her chair)-I must see them at once- amp; this is Miss Heywood-I know you from Toms letters-my dear-its true Tom-a fine complexion-no trouble with your circulation-Tom-how is your ankle? — let me see (here she knelt amp; pulled up her brothers trouser leg and folded down his sock)-looks fine to me-very little swelling (not surprising as she was looking at the wrong ankle)-you say the Willingdene healer played a part? — an interesting acquisition-too late for me of course-years of misdiagnosis by incompetent MDs have put me beyond hope of healing-but I work tirelessly for others-

As I listened to Diana rattling on-I began to understand Toms preoccupation with alternative medicine. In his beloved sisters eyes-alternative was mainstream-she was into alternatives to the alternatives!

Finally Tom got a word in-asking where her luggage was-assuming she would be staying at Kyoto-causing Mary to wince before the polite smile formed-but relief was on its way.

— such was of course my intention-said Di-but as you know I have been ever industrious in singing the praises of Sandytown-Tom- amp; as you may have noticed-I have been instrumental in persuading a freind of mine-seeking a holiday destination for herself amp; her teenage neices-to choose Sandytown rather than one of the less salubrious resorts-so I thought I would drop in on her at Seaview Terrace to check that all was as perfect as I had promised-

— amp; was it? — asked Tom.

— alas no-she said-Unfortunately one of her neices had slipped while scrambling over some rocks on the shore-damaging her leg-not too seriously-but sufficient for her to wish to recuperate at home- amp; naturally her sibling went with her. I found Sandy-that is my freind-Mrs Griffiths-undecided whether to follow their example-or stay on by herself. Seeing the danger that her early return might start a rumor that Sandytown beach was unsafe-whereas the truth is-as you know Tom-we have some of the least slippery rocks on the east coast-I immediately offered my services-both as cotenant- amp; as a conduit into the best circles of the district-both of which offers Mrs Griffiths-that is-Sandy-was delighted to accept. Beleive me-only my sense of responsibility for the good name of Sandytown- amp; by implication of yourself-Tom-would make me inflict this disappointment on you amp; Mary-

She looked for applause-which Tom gave her-while Mary managed to murmur something about typical kindness- amp; all I could think was-unaccountable officiousness!

Tom-full of brotherly concern for her frail constitution-insisted on driving her back down to the Terrace-with me invited along too-I suspect in my capacity of St J Ambulance trained physician-in case the shock of the sea air brought on a seizure!

Sandy Griffiths-even though introduced as a “vegan warrior”!-had no onward signs of the kind of dottiness I suspect must be a precondition of chumming up with Deaths Door Di. 40 something-strong handsome face-with a peculiarly disturbing stare-I thought she looked pretty good for someone who presumably existed on sprout fricassees amp; nut cutlets. She made us v welcome. Tea was produced-camomile for Diana-of course! — Typhoo for the rest of us-plus some v nice cream cakes-which Di thrust aside with a shudder-declaring that one bite would be the death of her. All the more for me! I noticed that Sandy G had a nibble too-so not a total vegan! Nor-it seemed to me-a particularly close buddy of Dianas-which made me wonder how shed let herself be maneuvered into having Di as her live-in guide. Tried some subtle probing-but Sandy G fixed me with her stare-so I backed off. Maybe being called Sandy makes her feel as proprietorial about Sandytown as Diana clearly does!

Tom clearly sees nothing but his sisters good points. He really is a sweetie. I find Im becoming as anxious as Mary that some people might be tempted to take advantage of his good nature.

2 more excitements-then Im done. I dont want to risk overstimulating you!

After we left the Terrace-driving back through the town-we saw Franny Roote hauling himself into his car. The ease with which he did it-reaching out to fold up his wheelchair amp; swing it into the back-suggested long practice- amp; my heart ached for him. OK-I know what youd say-all that stuff about handicapped people finding expressions of sympathy amp; offers of assistance patronizing-but I cant help it. Hes a young guy- amp; hes missing out on so much young guy stuff it breaks me up-so there!

Tom pulled alongside- amp; called-hello there Franny! — hows things-

— great-he said-giving me a big smile- amp; how are you-Charlotte?

— fine-I said-nice wheels.

Idiot thing to say-as it was a small boxy MPV-chosen-I guess-because the sliding doors made things easier.

— yes-he said-I dithered between this amp; the Porsche for a long time-

But he gave me a big grin-to show I hadnt really offended him.

Tom said-you wont forget the planning committee meeting at the Avalon on Friday-

— such excitements-said Fran-the committee on Friday-Lady Ds hog roast on Sunday-then less than a week to recover before the festival-be still my foolish heart!-

Tom-who doesnt do irony-said with concern-Fran-is there a problem?-

— no no-grinned Franny-of course Ill be there-Charlotte-will you be staying on for the Bank Holiday weekend amp; the great Festival of Health?-

— no-Im heading home this Saturday-I said.

Tom looked devastated-tho Id made it clear this was my plan- amp; Franny winked at me amp; said-then why not let Tom bring you along on Friday-not to the meeting-wouldnt wish that on my worst enemy-but Lester will be laying on some booze amp; snacks afterward. Its the festival action committee-so all us therapists will be there-great chance to pick their brains for your thesis- amp; Ill be first in the queue!-

Tom thought this was an excellent idea- amp; I was rather flattered by Frans keenness to see me again. (OK-I know-Im anybodys for a kind word!) Also I wouldnt mind seeing the inside of the Avalon-so I said-why not? — giving Franny my best smile.

— great-he said-look forward to seeing you then-

— me too-I said-meaning it.

Dont know whats happening to me! Maybe Sandytowns one of those magic places-like Brigadoon or Oz-that you stray into-then get taken over by.

Yes-thats it-definitely a magic place. But what color magic Im not yet sure!

Write soon before I forget the real world out there!

Lots of love

Charley xxxx