“The Tales of Nigel Morgan” ‘Admiral Dwight and The Colonial Airmen’

“The Tales of Nigel Morgan”

‘Admiral Dwight and The Colonial Airmen’

By

J.B. Galui

Copyright 2012

Published by: J.B. Galui

Opening:

 

This opening begins in a small coastal village called Greenwood.

The people still call it a village, though it's very well established now.

There near the edge of town, sits an old Colonial Style house, white in color, primed and trimmed as any Colonial should be. On the porch of this house sits an old man in his favorite rocker, and around him gather a group of children.

"Gather 'round chippers, I'd like to tell you a little story of Admiral Dwight and the Colonial Airmen.”

Now this story is to be told by the great teller of tales, Nigel Morgan, he's the old man in the rocker.

Now you’re probably saying, ‘I've never heard of any Nigel Morgan’, but in the fore mentioned village of Greenwood, where he lives, he's known as one of the best, especially his story of Admiral Dwight and the Colonial Airmen,……along with others.

See Nigel is about fifty seven or so by now, no one really knows for sure, he's a stout, balding man, purely grey, well dressed, hardly the kind of man you would expect to be an explorer. Still Nigel claims that Admiral Dwight met him many years ago when he was just a boy.

Seems the Admiral was on his way to find, ….. well let’s let Nigel tell it, shall we.

"Where was I then, oh yes,” he lit his pipe and sat back in his rocker, "I met the Admiral, I respectfully call him the Admiral, when I was a lad of about twelve, I was an orphan living with this kindly old woman you see, you know, she was the only woman I knew who used to burn the toast, that's right, every blessed morning and....well....," he laughed "I'm going on a bit now, I've a tendency to do that in my age, as I said, I met the Admiral as a lad, at which time he told me of an adventure he was on, an adventure that would take him to the farthest depths of the earth and sea, to a place he said that was once filled with such beauty no man could ever imagine, you could live forever there, but unfortunately," he paused and looked very seriously at everyone, "it was taken over by the most meanest, most hateful bloke you could ever speak of, even today the mention of his name sends shivers up the spine:

"What's his name Mr. Morgan" one of the lads yelled

"I don't know if I should say it aloud."

"Ah come on"     "Yeah!"

"Why it was none other than...."

"Nigel...Nigel!" came a yell from the house. It was Lizzy, his wife of many years, standing at the door, "Nigel, are you telling those nice nippers those crazy stories of you and the Admiral and...."

"They’re not crazy their bloody true I tell you, I was there, I remember': Lizzy just laughed and told him to "Come for tea and stop that silly nonsense,” she turned and headed back to the kitchen still tittering, "you can't remember what happened yesterday, let alone years ago."

"I tell you it's true, damn fool woman, it's true, I...." pausing a moment, he remembered the little ones and regained his good manner, "you chippers come back tomorrow and I'll finish my story, now be gone with ya', go on.”

The children all jumped up and scurried away.

Mumbling to himself, Nigel rose from his rocker and wondered into the house through the library, which was around the other side of the porch.

He went to the bookcase and reached for a large black book that sat on the middle shelf. Opening it, he removed a smaller, much battered white logbook.

"Now, where was I?"

Leafing through the journal, he fumbled for his chair.

"There we are."

He begins to read from the log of Admiral Dwight, "Today I met a lovely young lad standing in a shop door, begging for money,”  Nigel stares into space as if to reminisce.

"Yeah, that was me, many, many years ago, I think it was July, yes it was and what a lovely day it was, sunny, it was the first sunny day we had in a while as I remember, yes I do remember, I knew the memory hasn't failed me yet, hasn't failed me at all, not at all, the damn fool woman doesn't know what it was like, she can't tell me what.... what....”

Yawning, he laid his head down on the desk mumbling to himself and before long he was off in the land of nod.

 

Chapter 1:

 

It was a day in July, in fact one of the warmest it was said. People were everywhere soaking up the sunlight, doing their basics, shopping, selling and chatting.

It was there in the little village of Greenwood that Admiral Dwight came wondering. He was dressed in a fancy military style uniform, but not that of a Naval or Infantry man, well at least not one that anyone had ever seen before. Just the same, he directed himself to the nearest pub.

On the way there he saw a young lad begging for bits of money. The Admiral couldn't believe it, oh he's seen beggars before but never quit so young, and healthy. Being the man he was, the Admiral wondered over to the boy.

“Tell me then lad, when was the last time you've eaten?"

"Oh, not for three days Sir" the boy said in a discouraged, moaning voice, "could you spare a bit for a hungry lad then?" He held out a tin cup, with some change at the bottom, towards the Admiral. "Any little bit at all?”

The Admiral smiled, "It may take all day to muster up enough money, and I couldn't live with myself if I let you go hungry any longer.” The boy thought for sure he was going to see a generous almsgiving from this one.

"So I'll tell you what, I'll take you to the pub and add to what you have there and buy you a proper meal, how about that?"

This caught the boy by surprise, "Oh no Sir!" he stuttered "I mean I couldn't,....I need this here money for my little brother too, he hasn't eaten either.”

"Well" said the Admiral "we'll get him some too, bring your money, come along, "But Sir." pleaded the boy "Come along then lad, don't dally."

"Yes Sir."

So off they both went with the Admiral leading the way down the street to the local eatery.

Mandrake's as it was named, was a rather upper spot, well managed to say the least.

They entered, and were both immediately stared at. An aging man in an offbeat military uniform and a small begger lad were not the sort you would expect to find in such a place. Just the same, as if he were the proprietor himself, the Admiral walked over to the nearest empty table, pulling the young boy along with him, and sat down.

Immediately the waiter appeared.

"Could I help you Sir?" he said in a snobbish tone

"Ah, yes my fine man, the menu would be nice for a start, then bring the lad an orange tonic and myself a spot of tea, we'll order on your return then.”

"As you wish Sir."

The waiter nodded and walked away.

The Admiral leaned towards the boy and laughed, "Nice egg, but too serious, now, for you my lad, what do your friends call you?"

"Nigel Sir, Nigel Morgan." the boy said studying his surroundings.

"Nigel, that's a fine name, fine name indeed. Well Nigel, my name is Admiral Gus O. Dwight, you may call me Admiral Dwight."

"Yes Sir."

"Tell me then Nigel, how much money do you have there in your tin cup?" Nigel looked down, "Not much Sir" he then started to leave the chair, "perhaps I should go and collect a bit more.”

"Nonsense," the Admiral said pulling the boy back down, "here, let me have a look." he proceeded to count the money, "Not a bad days work, that'll be just fine." he put the money in his pocket, smiled and patted it safely.

By then the waiter had returned with the tea and tonic, "Are you ready to order then Sir?"

"Yes, we'll have the fish and chips, one meat pie, and some bread pudding for dessert.”

"Very good Sir, I'll return shortly with your food.”

Neither said too much to each other for the longest time, still drawing attention. They just sipped at their beverages till the waiter returned.

"Here's your food then Sir, Bon Appetite."

The Admiral smiled at the waiter then proceeded to begin eating, but Nigel just sat and said nothing.

"What's the matter lad, you haven't touched your food, I thought you hadn't eaten in three days, what's the trouble, come on then, out with it.”

"No Sir it's nothing, really, nothing."

"As you please lad."

The waiter returned a bit later with the check, he noticed Nigel hadn't touched any of his meal.

"Is there something wrong with the lad’s food Sir?"

"No, he's just not as hungry as he thought."                                   

"Very good Sir, your check, and have a nice day.”

They sat awhile till the Admiral finished his tea.  Nigel, still not saying anything, stared at his plate.

"Well, let us go then lad."

The two rose and went to pay the bill of fare.

"Now then, here's your part of the feast," the Admiral said holding out Nigel’s money, "and I'll pay the rest.”

As the lady tallied up the bill, Nigel could see his money he'd begged so long for disappear in just a few seconds.

"You may keep the change Miss."

"Thank you Sir, and have a nice day." She responded

The Admiral looked sternly at Nigel's silence, "There, be a good lad and say good-bye Nigel."

"Good-bye." he muttered sadly, for he knew it wasn't only the lady he was saying good-bye too.

The two left the pub and headed down the lane.

"Where do you live then lad, I'll walk you home, or don't orphans like you ever go home?"

Nigel looked surprised, "How'd you know I was an orphan?"

"When you've been as long as I my lad, you learn to see inside people here, but you tell me why the long face at lunch, you should have been glad to see such food, for not eating in three days, it's a wonder you didn't also eat the silverware.”

Nigel looked up at the Admiral then broke down, "Oh, rats, I have eaten Sir, this morning in fact, I lied, but I had to....I wanted to go see the Colonial Airmen tonight and my mum, the lady who took me in, wouldn't give me the money to go, so I went to beg for it, and I almost had enough till you took it to pay for the fare,...now I can't go.”

"Somehow I knew that hunger wasn't your problem, I've never seen such a healthy begger lad before, you don't even have a brother do you?" Nigel just looked away.

"You know you should have told me the truth the first time, I'd have been glad to help a fine lad like yourself.” Nigel's eyes and head sank. "But maybe I can still give you what you want”

Nigel's eyes suddenly lit up like the good Lord himself appeared, "But Sir I....do you really mean it? Could I go?....Will you help me?"

But Nigel was interrupted by the sound of music and cheers coming down the street. His head turned quickly to see what the commotion was about, the Admiral just smiled.

Around the corner came a small truck pulling a flatbed wagon, and upon the wagon were four young lads playing and singing, and being cheered on by crowds of fans.

"Sir, that's them, that's the Colonial Airmen, they’re here."

"Slow down lad" the Admiral said with a laugh, "who are the Colonial” 

"Come along Sir; let’s get closer so we can see."

And while pulling the Admiral, Nigel ran to the crowd and pushed his way to the front. They stood along the street and watched as the wagon slowed to a stop, being trailed by swarms of fans.

As the song ended, though you could hardly hear it anyway, the one gent from the truck jumped to the wagon and shouted over the people. "Listen! listen everyone."

The crowd grew quieter.

"The Colonial Airmen will be preforming at the Cellar Dweller's Club tonight, music starts at eight o'clock, everyone is admitted free." The cheers rose even higher than before. "Please don't be late."

And with that the music started, and the wagon and parade of people proceeded down the street.

"Wow, did you hear that Sir, it's free, I don't need any money now.”

"See lad good things come if you are truthful and want them bad enough"

"Yes Sir, I'm really terribly sorry about lying.” The Admiral just smiled. "Why don't you come along Sir, maybe we could meet the Airmen in person.”

“I don't know, I...."

"Oh, please Sir, I've no one to go with, please."

The Admiral pondered awhile, "Ok lad, but first you must tell me a bit about these young troubadours and their appeal to these folks."

"Yes Sir, I will, thank you.”

So Nigel and the Admiral walked along as he proceeded to tell all about The Colonial Airmen and their strange effect on people.

 

Chapter 2:

 

"The Colonial Airmen started out about seven years ago. They all went to the same school, only then they weren't The Colonial Airmen, they were just Gus, Justin, Andy, and Jiles.

Now Gus and Justin were in the same level at school, they both played guitars and were very interested in music, but they just fooled around mostly, composing songs and singing for each other.

One day while jamming around, Justin quipped, "Ain't we got a band together yet?" just as a joke, which Gus thought wasn't a bad idea. They knew Andy, who played bass, he was in the next level down, as was Jiles who played the drums. So they thought, why not have a go at it, the others should definitely like the idea, which they did.

So the four arranged to meet at Gus's house to have a rehearsal. The session went very well, and everyone was very enthused about having another. But the noise was just too much for Gus's parents to stand. It wasn't really his parents as much as it was the neighbors, they just weren't used to that kind of noise.

So now came the first problem to be solved, finding a place to rehearse. They tried each other’s homes, but it always ended the same after the first session.

Finally Jiles mom said she knew a kindly old couple who owned a home on the edge of town. They loved kids, and they loved music, and better yet, no one lived close enough to be bothered. She suggested they should all go and ask to rehearse there, but the boys were hesitant about asking an old couple to let them practice in their home, especially someone they didn't know.

"Well at least it won't hurt to ask." she said

The boys finally agreed she was right, and the next day they walked to the old folk’s house. It wasn't far from where they lived.

It was a nice house, faced in brick and lots and lots of open ground, that meant no neighbors. Now if they could only get the owners to agree to have four lads with musical instruments rent a space in their home to rehearse. Things didn't look to promising.

"I hope they love kids and music as much as your mom says they do" Gus said walking with Jiles

"Me too, let’s find out."

Jiles knocked on the front door. It took a while, but finally an old woman, about sixty, came to answer. "Yes, can I help you boys?"

"Yes Mum," Jiles replied "my mother said you might have a space we could use to practice, we're musicians.”

With the word musicians, the boy’s faces lit up with pride like they were one of the great entertainers.

"Oh," said the woman, "do you boys play any Bach?"

"In back of what mum?" Justin asked jocosely

"No, no not back, Bach, the composer, somewhat like Beethoven."

"No, not them" Andy jumped in, "we play our own music, we're composers too.”

"Oh that's nice,” She paused a second, "well come in then, we'll have to talk to Poppa, he was just about to have his breakfast.”

They walked towards the kitchen.

"Look Papa, we have company."

The boys looked past the old woman, who was rather plump, and there sitting at the table, was an old gentleman that was no doubt Poppa, eating breakfast.

"Look Poppa, these fine lads came to ask if they could use our basement to practice their music."

The old man looked up at the boys, "Well then, sit down, I never talk business on an empty stomach, Momma get the boys some breakfast,”

The boys gladly sat down to eat, they've never been known to pass up a free meal yet.

"So, tell me boys, what's your names, I can't keep calling you boys?”

"No Sir, I'm Gus,”  he pointed to the others, "that's Justin, Jiles, and Andy."

"Well, glad to meet you then, I suppose you've heard we're the Gooches, that's Momma and I'm,” he laughed "and I’m Papa, that's what everyone calls us, so may you?”

The boys all smiled and said hello. Momma returned with eggs and tea for everyone.

"Now you boys enjoy your meal."

"So you boys need a place to practice?" Poppa inquired

The boys nodded

"It's been quiet around here for a long time. Momma and I have grown used to the silence"

The boys looked at each other expecting a slow let down.

"This music you play, It's not going to vibrate Momma and me out of our chairs is it?"

"Oh no," Gus answered sincerely, "we can practice quietly, you'll hardly know we're here."

"And when do you plan to do your practicing?"

"Whenever it suites you."

"Well...."

The boys stopped eating as Papa paused, they knew his next sentence would either mean a yes or no to the practice room.

"We can give it a try, but first I want you to see the basement, it may need some cleaning?”

The boys were relieved, they wanted the room even if it meant sandblasting. "You boys eat up and Papa will show you the basement afterwards.” Momma said with a smile.

When all had finished, Poppa took them to the cellar.

"You boys can practice here, in this room."

He showed them a smaller room separate from the main basement. It had four different colored walls and an old rug on the floor.

"You can practice when you like, except after ten thirty at night, then I need peace and quiet, you can come in through the outside cellar door. I’ll let you in and I'll lock up when you leave, you can store your things here, and they’ll be safe."

The boys pondered.

"How much is this going to cost us?" Gus asked

"Well," Poppa said "I like you boys....as long as you clean up after yourselves,...it won't cost anything.”

The boys couldn't believe it, it was too good to be true, and they certainly couldn't pass it up.

"That’s great, thank you." they all acknowledged, still not believing it, "We'll be right back with our equipment.”

They all ran out the door and straight home to retrieve their things.

After all was set up, the boys practiced and rehearsed almost every day. Every spare moment was spent writing and rehearsing new songs. They practiced from 10:00 in the morning till 5:00 in the evening sometimes, stopping only long enough to grab a bite to eat.

This went on for some time, till one day they decided they had enough practice and courage to invite some people down to hear them, people other than Momma and Papa.

It was a Saturday evening about 7:00. The boys had been fidgeting about all day, tuning and retuning their instruments. They had finally invited a few people they knew to come down and listen, and they wanted everything to be perfect. They even had a lineup of songs worked out.

Then came a knock on the outside door, they were here. The boys nervously grabbed for their instruments. Papa Gooch walked to the door and left the small crowd in while the boys got prepared.

They were so nervous, that they didn't even say hello or wait for everyone to come in, they just started in on a song.

It couldn't have been any worse if they tried. The drums came in late, they played the wrong chords, and their voices were so cracked from nerves and fear, it sounded like they were choking.

They could have crawled in a corner and died from embarrassment it was so bad. But the crowd clapped just the same, just to give them some reassurance, as they were trying.

They played four or five more songs, each progressively got a bit better.

At the end of the last song, they thanked everyone for coming and quickly started to put their equipment away. Just then someone from the back of the crowd yelled.

"Hey, what do ya’ call yourselves?"

Then everyone started asking what the group’s name was, if they had a name, what was it, that every group has to have a name.

The boys were stumped. They never thought to find a name. They were so busy practicing, they forgot all about it.

"Well, come on then, surely you have a name" the one guest snickered. But they didn't, and they knew they needed to get one and right quick, everyone was waiting for an answer.

Suddenly Gus glanced at an old picture of a group of squadron pilots hanging on the wall, and out of nowhere he yelled, "The Airmen!"

But at the same time Justin caught sight of an ink well with a plume on an old roll top desk and yelled, "The Colonials!"

They both looked at each other as the crowd started to laugh.

"Well, which is it then, The Airmen or The Colonials?" the guest questioned, "or haven’t you decided?”

"It's....The Colonial Airmen" Gus replied

"Yeah!" Justin concerned "we were flying way before the Wright Brothers.” Everyone laughed and applauded at the small joke then began to leave.

The boys looked at each other with a sigh of relief while Papa graciously showed everyone out.

After everyone had gone, the boys just flopped down on the ground. Papa stood back and listened as they started ridiculing their performance. "Mates, that was the most embarrassing thing I've ever done," Gus said shaking his head, "and I've done some embarrassing things.”

"I don't even want to think about it." Andy sighed "I'm just glad it's over”

Justin just sat staring at his guitar.

"Me too," agreed Jiles "we must have sounded like kids banging on new toys at Christmas." he looked at Justin, "What do you think mate?" Justin looked up, "I think we should go home and forget tonight ever happened." he then started to stand and the rest followed, "Let’s just go.”

Meanwhile, Papa, who was taking all this in looked down and started to laugh.

"Not you too." Gus groaned

"No lads, not me too, I was just thinking of a friend I used to have a long time ago, he played music too, the concertina I think he called it, anyways, he had the same problem you boys do, he could play the buttons off that thing when it was just him and me, but when people were around, he'd be so nervous he'd get his necktie caught in the bellows, so you know what he did?"

Justin jokingly smiled, “He cut off the bloody necktie I should think.”

"No," Papa said "he invited people to come and listen to him even more.”

 “That’s bleedin' crazy." Andy snapped

"Not really lad," Papa paused a second, then walked over and put his arm around Andy's shoulder, "because the more he played for people, the easier it got, he wasn't so nervous after a while....but he did start wearing a bowtie.”   Papa, amused by his own joke, laughed, threw his hands in the air, and walked towards the upstairs steps. "Come along then lads, we'll have Momma make us some toast and marmalade for tea."

The boys looked at each other a bit happier and tagged along behind.

Soon days went by, then weeks, then months, then finally a year. The boys continued inviting people to come and listen, just like Papa said they should. They progressively got more and more relaxed and much, much better every time.

Then came their first real gig. It was just a party and there was no pay involved, but it was at least out of the basement. And they were ready, this time really ready, thanks to Papa.

They were to play for three hours with a couple of breaks in between. But the people were so responsive they wound up staying for six. They had to play most of the song two and three times to make up the extra hours. It was only by luck the neighbors started complaining that they finally got to quit.

The people were so happy with them they offered to pass the hat at the end of the night. Not a great sum was collected, but much more than the boys expected.

They were in such high spirits, they packed up their equipment and went straight to Momma and Papa’s house. It was 1:30 in the morning, but they had to tell them right then of their great performance.

They banged on the door and rang the bell till Papa, who wasn't too happy at first, answered.

"What in the bloody hell is all the commotion, what do you lads think you’re doing banging on a man’s door at this hour of the morning, I've a good notion to...."

But before he could say anything else, the boys showed him the money they were given and started yelling how much of a success they were.

"We did it Papa" Gus shouted "we're bloody heroes"

"How’d you like our autograph Papa?" Jiles asked proudly

"How'd you like to go back to bed?" laughed Justin

"You boys did very well I see, but don't get to big headed, you still have a long way to go....especially tonight." his voice raised "I'll let you in to put your things away, only if you do it quietly, and let me get some sleep, or I'll box all your ears, now hurry up.”

So the boys ran to the back and deposited their equipment as quickly and quietly as possible, trying not to disturb Papa any further.

Well it became many a night that Papa Gooch would have his sleep disturbed, but he grew to tolerate it. He saw how happy the boys were, and they saw he wasn't as mad as he pretended. So everyone got on just fine.

Since neither Momma nor Papa would ever accept any money for the room they lent out, the boys decided to start a kitty for them. After every gig they would put ten per cent of whatever they earned aside, dividing the rest up equally. They did this faithfully from the first gig on just in case it was ever needed.

Soon the boys began to see the kitty getting larger and larger, mainly because they started seeing more and more gigs crop up. And along with every gig they noticed the crowds growing in size also.

It suddenly dawned on them one night just how popular they were becoming. They never stopped to see what was happening before. In fact, it wasn't until a club called ‘Benders Ggab’, that the boys realized the magnitude of the turnout. Not just young people, but adults and elders alike, and they were all yelling for The Colonial Airmen.

The boys were feeling a bit more nervous than usual. Sure, they played for dozens of people dozens of times before, but this time they realized that the people weren't just yelling for the four boys practicing in a cellar in Greenwood, they were yelling for The Colonial Airmen, this was much different, to them anyway.

They'd been calling themselves The Colonial Airmen right along, but they never really thought about it or what the name had become. They knew they weren't gods or anything such as that, but the people did accept them for more than just a group of lads playing music.

No one was really sure what it was about then, whether it was their music, their style, their looks, the clothes they wore, or even the food they ate. All the people knew was that they liked them and couldn't wait to hear them play. The boys weren't too sure about the whole thing either, but they knew that they had to keep the people happy and they did just that.

The boys played that night with the same success as always .But with their growing success they began to see that more and more other groups were being formed. Everyone wanted to be in a band, no matter what kind it was, and all were trying to outdo the other. Still none captured the crowd’s attention like The Airmen did, the people were fascinated by them.

The boys tried hard to keep things different and new. They were always doing things, even to amuse themselves. One was the little phrase they would say before each gig, "Remember mates, if it's not a good night, goooood-night!" which simply meant, if the night didn't go well, turn it in, you've had it. And after every gig, they would quietly, amongst themselves, end the night with an Amen.

Their main concern was not to become same old. After playing the usual places for so long, they didn't want to wear themselves out, and with so many new bands forming it was hard to even walk down the street without seeing someone from another group. They all began to look alike. The boys knew they had to do something very different.

One concept was to make a record. But after a few inquiries, they found out how much it would cost to achieve this, so that idea would have to wait awhile.

Another was to find new places to play, even if they had to leave their area. But they had no manager and nowhere to find one, that made this impossible.

They always had good ideas, but every time they'd start one they would soon square off with the infamous brick wall.

Undaunted by their luck so far, they set another plan into motion. This one seemed a little more at their reach. They would open a club of their own, with some help of course, and they knew just the people to go to, Momma and Papa Gooch.

Those two were always going on about how they were tired of just sitting around, but how expensive it was to go out evenings. So the boys decided to suggest turning the basement into a coffee house and The Colonial Airmen being the main attraction. It would be, ‘above average’, as they put it and it couldn't be less than profitable. But Papa was a bit more skeptical.

"Where is the money coming from?" he inquired

It was then that the boys showed him the kitty they had saved. It was enough to at least get the coffee house started. Papa wasn't too keen on the whole idea, especially about taking their money, but the boys explained how it would be good for everyone concerned.

Papa pondered a long while. Then without even checking with Momma, he decided to go through with it. The boys were ecstatic, this was a way they could raise money and possibly make a record.

They spent the next month cleaning and fixing up the basement. It took some time because they were still playing nights. But it was soon done, and it didn't look half bad. Some things were old, but it gave it that mysterious feel.

Now all that was left was finding a name for the club. They threw some ideas around, till they finally decided on one they thought most appropriate. It was from something they called themselves in jest when they were forever rehearsing in the basement. The Cellar Dwellers. So they affectionately named it ‘The Cellar Dweller's Club’

 

 “And that's how the Colonial Airmen started Sir, and this is to be the grand opening of The Cellar Dweller's Club, that's as much as I can remember.”

"Well," laughed the Admiral, "that's quite a thorough account of the situation, you obviously are a fan.”

"Yes Sir, quite."

“Well then, let’s go and get cleaned up, we don't want to be late for the show then do we lad?"

"No Sir." Nigel happily agreed

"Well come on then, lead the way."

Nigel showed the Admiral to the nearest inn, and then ran home to get ready and leave word where he was going.

 

Chapter 3:

 

This was a big night for Momma and Papa Gooch and The Cellar Dweller’s Club, being their grand opening, everyone was sure to come, especially with The Colonial Airmen playing.

The boys were excited also, they had special Colonial Airmen uniforms made up just for the occasion, which were "above average" as Gus commented and the rest couldn't help but agree.

The Airmen weren't the only band to play that evening, there were two other local groups, first was ‘The Noyz’ a five member group that was to play the beginning of the night, then ‘The Outsiders’ would play for the second part of the show, and finally "The Colonial Airmen" would finish up the evening. There was a half hour intermission between each group for tearing down and setting up, this was taken care of and looked after by ‘The Airmen's’ road crew, they weren't really a road crew as such, but three friends of the boys who used to help them when they first started.

Momma had all the tables fixed just so and all the coffee and drinks were waiting to be sold. Some people arrived an hour early just to get a good seat, but Papa wouldn't open the door until 7:30. The posters that were hung outside were all torn down and kept as souvenirs. The first band was tuning up as the Admiral and Nigel arrived, they had to stand in the back because of it being so crowded.  As 8:00 grew near the club was so packed that many people had to be turned away. Some of the people who were refused entry stood outside staring in the windows.

At precisely 8:00 the first band started to play, the people were already having a good time. During the first song the ones who could squeeze up to the tiny dance floor and did their best to move around. The Admiral and Nigel just stood back and watched everyone enjoying themselves, the Admiral noticed even Nigel was tapping his foot to the beat while trying to see past the people in front of him.

The waitress finally made her way through the crowd towards the Admiral "Could I get you something Sir?” she had to yell to be heard above the music and the crowd

"Yes," the Admiral yelled back "bring the lad and me a tea please.” the waitress proceeded to weave her way back through the crowd to the front.

The music was a bit louder than it needed to be but nobody really seemed to mind, the Admiral could see that Nigel was looking for a way to get closer to the front, so he could get a better view, but with all the people, especially those dancing, there was hardly enough room even for the band. The Admiral noticed a crate standing in the corner, so he squeezed over and snatched it back to where Nigel was standing, he sat it down and lifted Nigel onto it, "Now you can see everything lad.”

"Ah! that’s great." Nigel yelled "Thanks Admiral” it was the first time Nigel had ever called him Admiral and it sounded a deal better than sir.

It was about ten minutes later but the waitress finally returned with the tea and a complimentary Ladyfinger for each of them. The Admiral handed Nigel his tea and Ladyfinger, which Nigel consumed very quickly.

The first band played two or three more songs then announced their end and that the next group would be up in just a short time that everyone should stick around, as if they were really going to leave. The road crew then quickly started to tear down the equipment. It finally got a bit quieter with the band not playing, till someone started up the disc-box. Some people went outside to catch a bit of fresh air, but most didn't want to lose their place. Nigel noticed a spot up front next to the band that was vacant, he tapped the Admiral on the shoulder and motioned for him to follow, the Admiral in his reluctance did so and the two of them squeezed their way to the front. Nigel stopped right beside the band’s sound equipment, the Admiral had a feeling he was just going to love this, it was loud enough in the back behind all the people, but now he was standing right in front of it all.

Papa Gooch had just stepped up to the microphone "Hello folks!, how is everybody doing tonight?" the crowd started to cheer and yell, which brought everyone from the outside running in, "We're going to bring the next band on in just a few minutes, but first Momma and I would like to thank everyone for coming to The Cellar Dweller’s Club tonight, we hope you have a good time and enjoy yourselves.” he looked around at the band to see if they were ready "Now I think the boys are set, so please lets welcome The Outsiders” The crowd started to applaud and cheer as the band proceeded with their first song. Nigel turned to the Admiral with a great smile on his face and nodded as to approve of their being there, but the Admiral wasn't quite as happy with their presence, his ears felt like two tom-toms in the Royal Marching Band, but he smiled back graciously.

After a few minutes of searching around, the Admiral noticed a clean napkin lying on one of the tables, he borrowed it and stuffed pieces of it in his ears to muffle the sound, this made the stay a little more bearable. Nigel who was observing his friends quest for quietness began to laugh, the Admiral just gave a coy smile and turned the boy around to face the band.

They both stood watching till the second band had finished, again the road crew quickly began tearing down and setting up the equipment. The Admiral placed his hand on the boys shoulder "Come along Nigel, let’s get a bit of fresh air." he then started towards the back, Nigel quickly grabbed his coat and pulled him back

"Wait Admiral, if we leave now we'll surely lose our place, and maybe not get a chance to talk to The Airmen." The Admiral looked around and noticed no one was leaving this time, they were all moving closer to the front, even the small dance floor was jammed with people waiting to see The Colonial Airmen.

"Ok lad," he said  “we'll wait here, but keep an eye out for the Miss with the tea and pastries, I could have another go at some goodies, how about you?”

"You bet, most definitely so."

They watched over the sardine packed crowd for the waitress, finally the Admiral spotted her as did a dozen other people, everyone must have been getting a bit hungry and thirsty about this time for it took her almost up till the next bands performance to return with the Admiral's order. Papa Gooch was just stepping up to the microphone to introduce The Colonial Airmen when she arrived.

"Is everyone still having a fine time here tonight?" Papa shouted, the cheers and yells went up immediately in response to the question, "First let’s have a big round of applause for the two bands who've been entertaining you so far, The Noyz, and The Outsiders....let’s hear it!” the crowd yelled and applauded as the two bands joined Papa on stage for their ovation, "Now here’s what you've all been waiting for," Papa had a long introduction worked out, but the crowds fervor swelled so quickly he didn’t have a chance to finish, all he could get out was "....The Colonial Airmen"

The boys ran up on stage with their new uniforms on, plugged in their instruments and started their first song before Papa had a chance to leave the stage, the people were cheering well into their first number. Nigel’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw them, he'd never been this close to The Airmen before, he was yelling and clapping just as loud as anyone, and even the Admiral was taken in by them.

From the very first note on, the boys seemed to be having a good time, and the people were having just as much fun. At times it was hard to hear the band because of all the yells and screams, mostly from the girls. The Admiral couldn't help but notice two young ladies unknowingly tugging on his coat sleeve. They were screaming and cheering practically to tears. Another group of girls had T-shirts made that said ‘I'd love to fly away with The Colonial Airmen’, even some of the guys had shirts that said ‘The Colonial Airmen....top flight rock & roll’ and ‘The Colonial Airmen have landed’.  Even the Admiral caught himself tapping his foot. There was definitely something about these boys, something he need look no further for.

The night went on till a little past 2:00, the boys quit playing about 1:30 but were requested with great demand to play a bit longer. Momma ran out of pastry about 11:00 and they were down to their last pot of tea just as the boys finished for the night.

After their last encore song, the boys ran off stage and Papa grabbed the microphone "Thank you all for coming, we hope you had a fine time....lets have one more round of applause for The Colonial Airmen” The crowd went crazy as the boys ran back up on stage and took their bow.

"Thank you and good night, and please have a safe trip home.”

Momma turned all the lights on to signal that it was the end while Papa and the boys went back to the little room where they had dressed.

Nigel and the Admiral stood where they were waiting for all the people to leave, "Do you think we'll get to talk to The Colonial Airmen tonight?" Nigel asked hopefully.

"I think it's very possible Nigel my boy.” the Admiral said  "Just be patient a bit.”

They noticed a few of the girls were jammed around the stage hoping The Airmen might come out one last time or at least find something the boys had left behind, but after a few minutes the waitress told them they would have to leave because the club was closing, she handed them each a small poster like flier of The Airmen as a consolation, the girls all squeaked with joy, held the posters to their hearts and ran out the door, Nigel and the Admiral looked at each other and laughed.

Papa soon came out of the little dressing room and graciously showed any remaining stragglers to the door bidding them a good night, even the road crew had gone by now. Nigel figured that they would be the next to be asked to leave, but for some reason Papa hadn't noticed them. Several times he glanced over, but it was like he was looking right through them or they weren't there.

Everyone had gone except for Momma and a few waitresses. Papa was standing by the stage staring into space. The Admiral took Nigel’s hand and walked towards him "Excuse me Papa.”

Papa jumped and turned quickly towards them "Who are you and where did you come from, I thought I made sure everyone was out before I locked the door?”

"Please forgive me for scaring you, I'm Admiral Dwight and this young man is Nigel, we were just waiting to see The Colonial Airmen.”

“Well I'm sorry, but The Airmen are busy.”

"Too busy to see two of their biggest fans?"

"Maybe some other times you…” at that moment Justin and Gus yelled from out of the dressing room door. "Is it safe to check our equipment yet Papa?”

"Yeah, is it safe to come out?" Gus started to laugh and sing the next sentence "and see the world and all that dwells within as it should be and sometimes now I …..”        

"Hah, a new song!" Justin yelled as they came walking out of the room "Quick let’s write it down while it's still fresh in our minds”

"You better hurry then," Gus said pointing to Justin’s head, "things spoil fast up there."

The boys finally saw the Admiral and Nigel standing with Papa, "Oh, sorry Papa we didn't know you had guests.”

"They came to see you boys not me, this is....ah?"

"Admiral Gus O. Dwight" the Admiral introduced as he reached to shake their hand, "and this is Nigel Morgan, we're very glad to meet you."

Nigel just starred at the hand the boys shook and didn't say a word .

"You boys are very good if I do say so myself, the people really like you, especially this young lad." The Admiral put his arm around Nigel’s shoulder. Nigel just smiled but still couldn't utter a word.

"Well thank you Mr. Dwight...."

"No, no, just call me Admiral" he interrupted Gus

"Ok, thank you Admiral and you too Nigel, we hope you can come and see us again."

"Oh we will!" Nigel blurted out, then realizing he had spoken and quickly shut up. Everyone laughed at the small outburst, even Nigel.

"There’s a fine restaurant just down the road that has a sign saying their open all night\. How would you boys like to join Nigel and myself for some breakfast? You and Momma are invited to Papa"

"I don't know," replied Gus "it's a bit late.”

"Oh, please,” begged Nigel "it'll be fun.”

"Well, we'll have to ask the other two first." said Justin "It will only take a second.”

Justin and Gus ran back to the dressing room.

"I'll have to take a rain check." Papa said "I'm a little tired and Momma and I have to clean up a bit yet, but thanks anyway.”

The boys came running back "Those two bums were asleep," Gus said "but we persuaded them to go.”

Justin laughed "Yeah, it's amazing what a little cold water will do.”

"Jolly good then, Nigel and I will be waiting outside, it looks like a lovely night out tonight." Nigel nodded in agreement

"We won't be long Admiral” Justin announced

"Fine, we'll be outside then"

The Admiral and Nigel were just heading out the basement door when Papa stopped them, "You know Admiral, I was just down to the restaurant you spoke of and I didn't see any sign saying they were open alright, in fact they've always closed at 9:00."

"Don't worry Papa," the Admiral smiled "I have a strong feeling they'll be open for business tonight.”

Papa just looked confused as the two left the basement.

 

Chapter 4:

 

The four boys met the Admiral and Nigel outside, they introduced themselves to each other then proceeded to the restaurant, it was just a few blocks away and the night was so nice for walking, there was even a full moon to light their way.

"Isn't it lovely out?” the Admiral inquired.

"It's bloody beautiful," Justin agreed “and I don't like to walk."

"Well I hope you boys are hungry?"

"I'm just about starved then Admiral."

“Hang on Jiles” Gus said  “I think we'll get you there in time."

"How about you Nigel, you haven't said much lately."

"I've just been watching the moon Admiral, it looks like it's been following us since we left, is that possible?”

"Oh yes, very possible." The rest of the boys quit talking and gave a listen to what the Admiral was saying “They say that the moon will follow those who are blessed with that special boon."

Nigel laughed "What’s a boon?"

 “A boon my young friend is a special gift from God and it's said that every boon is different depending on the person who has it.”

“Wow a gift from God, wonder which one of us has it?”

"Well it's bloody unlikely us Andy,” said Gus “the only gift we got lately was the box of cookies from that nice old lady who heard us play last week."

"No, no, boys, you don't just receive a boon, it’s something your born with and it stays with you all through life, the only way you lose it is to miss use it."

 “What if you don't know you even have it?"

"Oh you'll know Jiles, sooner or later you'll know, when the time is right."

"Well I hope I've been given a boon,” Justin grumbled “because I bloody well didn't get any of those cookies."

They walked to the middle of town to a restaurant pub that had been around for many a year

 “Well lads here we are."

The boys realized where they were being taken, “But Admiral, this is the Coastal….." They read the sign over the door, “The Apples Grove?” they looked at each other confused "This is supposed to be The Costal View not The Apples Grove and it usually closes at nine.”

"It must have changed since you were last in.” The Admiral said pointing to the sign “See it's under new management, now come along then let’s go in." the boys followed but they couldn't believe what they saw.

Inside everything was the same as it always was, the tables, the pictures, everything, except it was a bit whiter and happier, a softer atmosphere from what they had remembered.

They all stood waiting to be seated, finally the head waiter came over. The boys about ran out the door when they saw him. It was the same old waiter who used to chase them away when they would stand in front of the building to long, he was a mean old beggar.

"How many in your party Sir?"

The boys thought for sure once he recognized them they would all be thrown out.

"Just the six of us my good man." The Admiral answered, the waiter looked at the four lads and Nigel who were standing single file behind the Admiral.

"Get ready to say good-bye to our breakfast mates" Jiles said. The waiter just smiled, and turned "follow me then please."

The boys just looked at each other, they definitely couldn't believe this, the name change was bad enough, but now this. It was like he didn't even recognize them.

That was it they thought, he simply didn't recognize them. The Admiral followed the waiter to a table in the corner, the boys still in single file walked behind. The waiter seated them all, gave them their menus, and then left for the kitchen.

The boys looked around and noticed that they were the only ones in the building. They must have been the only ones to know that The Apples Grove had been under new management and been open all night.

After a few minutes the waitress came over to the table, "Hello, I'm your waitress for this evening, may I help you?"

The boys took their faces out of the menus and looked up, their eyes almost fell out of their heads for they had never seen someone so beautiful before.

She was like something out of a story rhyme, long dark hair and big dark eyes that twinkled every time she spoke, the boys could hardly talk, they completely forgot what they wanted to eat or even where they were, they just sat staring.

Nigel, tired of waiting for the boys to come out of their trance, ordered first.

The Admiral handed his menu to the waitress "I'll have what the young lads having," he then looked at the boys who were still speechless "and bring them the same."

The waitress just laughed "My name is Molly, if you need anything just ask me." She took the other menus and walked away. The boys finally snapped too "Holy moly did you see that mates?" Gus exclaimed.

"I didn’t see anything but her." answered Justin.

"Did we order yet Admiral?" Jiles asked not knowing.

"Oh you boys ordered alright, from cloud nine you ordered.”

The boys spent the next amount of minutes getting to know their host and his young friend.

"Excuse me Admiral but could I have a bit of money, I want to get a piece of gum from the machine over there?” Nigel pointed to the vending machine in the corner.

"Alright, here you go then, but hurry back I think the foods coming.”

Molly soon returned and began serving everyone their orders, the boys were feeling a bit embarrassed about the way they started the last time and couldn't look her in the eyes.

With any other girl though they would have stared again, but Molly was different, she had a certain aura about her that they all could feel, something no other girl they met had ever had. But where did she come from, certainly not around here, they would have definitely remembered seeing her.

She finished passing the plates and drinks around "I'll be back in a few minutes to see how you’re doing."

"Thank you miss,” the Admiral replied “we’ll be looking forward to your return."

The boys smiled and watched as she walked away.

"What a strange feeling, it was like I was afraid to talk to her, I haven't been afraid to talk to a girl since I was young."

"Yeah, I know what you mean Andy,” Jiles concurred “she’s a very special lady."

"She sure is," agreed Justin “she even remembered to bring us some water."

Gus laughed "I always say, a good waitress will bring you water, but she won't make you drink."

"Here, Here!" Justin saluted and the four lads raised their water glasses and toasted them. Nigel finally returned to the table.

"Well did you get what you went after?" the Admiral inquired. "Yep, there’s one for everybody." Nigel handed each one a gum ball saving the last one for himself.

Stuffing it into his coat he found something he had almost forgotten he wanted to show the others.

"Hey, look what I found after your last outside show" he pulled an old red guitar pick from his pocket, it was well used with a broken tip, he held it out for everyone to see, "I found it on stage after everyone had gone".

Justin's face lit up "My lucky pick. Where’d you find it?"

"On stage when you played way down at the other end of town."

"I never thought I'd see it again, would you mind terribly if I had it back?"

"But I found this, don't you have others?"

"Not like that one, I've had it since we started the band. Please let me have it back."

Nigel really didn't want to part with the pick but he could see it meant much more to Justin than it did to him.

"O.K., but don't lose it again ‘cause I might not find it." He handed it to Justin.

"Thanks mate your way above average." Justin sat it down by his plate so he could look at it while he ate.

Andy took a piece of toast from his plate and handed it towards Justin "Here, take this just to show there’s no hard feelings about the earlier prank you pulled on me.”

"Sure," Justin smirked "you probably doused it with salt."

"No it's good."

“Yeah, I bet."

"It is watch," Jiles took a big bite, "see no salt, here, take this piece" he handed Justin another piece.

"Yeah, you knew I'd say that so now you give me the salted piece."

"No, I didn't, this piece is fine too, look.” Jiles took another big bite from the second piece "See no salt, now take this, it's my last piece."

"Sure the last piece is always booby trapped, I know this story."

Jiles gave a coy smile and then exasperatingly chewed on the last piece "Now what have you got to say!”

Justin made a disgusted face, “What a lousy friend, offers me three pieces of toast and then takes a bite out of each one."

Molly appeared a few minutes later "Is everything Ok?"

The boys still couldn't think of anything to say to break the ice.

"Everything is just fine Molly." She nodded to the Admiral and walked away.

"You boys aren't very good at conversation are you?"

"It's just that she’s so different Admiral, it's hard to find anything to say."

"Ya, know boys sometimes the simpler the conversation the more meaningful it is.”

"Oh, we should be good at that then.” Jiles punned.

Justin and Gus looked at each other and started in on one of their rolls.

"Yeah, the simpler we get the more meaningful we are.”

“You mean were simply meaningful."

"I simply mean to say we're meaningful when we're simple."

"Then simply, the simpler we seem, the more meaningful we are, mainly by being simple."

"That was put simply meaningful and I mean that simply."

"Well it may sound simple but thank you and I simply mean that sincerely."

The Admiral didn't say anything only stared at the two in puzzlement.

"Don't mind them Admiral, they’re off on one of their tangents again, just give em' a minute to recover."

 “Andy and myself have been waiting for them to recover, for a good time now.”

The Admiral shook his head and smiled.

Everyone was finishing up their meals. The boys were waiting for Molly to return, so they could maybe start a conversation and get to know her, if they could somehow muster up the nerve.

The Admiral was the first to retire his plate "You know, you lads seem to have a way with people, everyone seems to love you."

"Yeah I guess that’s true Admiral” Gus replied, "Everyone does seem to turn up when we play."

"No it's not just you’re playing boys, It's you as people too."

"Maybe we have a boon of some kind, ah, Admiral?”

"I'd say you were right Justin, I think you boys have more of a boon than you realize, tell me are you boys playing this evening?”

"No,” answered Jiles “we never play Sundays, mainly because there’s nothing open, I guess that’s why we never play."

"Yes well, did you boys ever hear of Luna Pier?"

"Isn't that the island off shore a ways?"

"That’s it, that’s the place, have you boys ever played there?”

"No way" Gus prompted “they say that place isn't fit for man nor beast."

Justin got a silly grin on his face "Yeah, and musicians don't go there either."

"There’s a lot of strange tales told about that place".

"That’s true mate," Andy agreed “Jiles and I were just listening to one the other day, we over heard someone saying it was the domain of the Devil and no one should be allowed there."

"Who said this?" asked the Admiral.

"Some daft old bloke had a parrot on his shoulder," Andy turned to Justin "ugliest looking thing it was".

"Did he say where he got it?”

"The parrot said he found the bloke in Luna Pier, I don't know if he was lying though."

"I know what you mean.” Justin laughed" "You just can't trust a big mouth parrot."

"I'm serious lads, you should try there for a job, it's not that far away and you boys would be perfect there, I've even got the transportation since I'm on my way there very shortly today."

"I didn't know you were leaving,” Nigel said in a concerned voice "why do you have to go so soon?"

"It's only for a while lad then I'll be back."

"Perhaps I could go with you, I wouldn't be any trouble and Mum would think I'm staying with a friend and ….."

"I'm sorry Nigel it's just not the place for a lad so young." The boys face suddenly lost its glow "I'll be back before you know it, I promise." Nigel lowered his head and stared at his plate "Come now lad it's not forever…. let's see a smile," he raised the boys head "come on." Nigel forced a halfhearted smile  “That’s it, now what about you boys?" the Admiral looked towards the other four "Are you interested?"

"Thanks but no thanks Admiral we usually take a break Sundays, even God rested on the seventh day."

"That was only at the beginning Gus my lad, when he first created the world, then man came along, now he's always kept busy, answering prayers, restoring things man destroys, keeping sin down to a minimum, see he never really gets to rest, not yet anyways." he said quietly "But if you boys are set on your decision I guess there's no changing your minds, ah?”

"No, sorry Admiral."

"Ok, but remember if you change your minds I'll be in town till this afternoon, then my ship leaves for Luna Pier."

"I'm sure we…." Gus was interrupted by Molly's return

"I hope everything was ok?"

"It was just fine Molly, wasn't it lads?" the Admiral and Molly both looked to the boys hoping for a response, still they were at a loss for words.

"Well here's your check and stop again." Molly was just about to leave when Nigel finally broke the ice.

"Hey Molly, do you know who these guys are?”

The boy’s hearts dropped as Molly observed all four of them and smiled "No I'm sorry, I don't."

“You mean you've never seen their picture around anywhere."

“No I'm really not from around here, who are they?”

"Why these four guys are the one and only Colonial Airmen." he introduced each one individually by name.

"Oh, are you flyers?" Molly inquired.

"Well, in a sense,” Andy answered "we’re musicians."

"Wow! musicians, do you play any Bach?”

The four boys looked at each other then got a big smile on their faces "In back of what".

"No, no not back, Bach" the composer, somewhat like……"

"We know, we know, Beethoven." interrupted Gus "No we don't play them, but we are avid fans."

"Yeah,” Jiles added "we're waiting for them to come in concert.”

“You can't see them in concert silly, they’re dead."

"Oh, that must be why they don't have a new single out then, ah?" Molly looked at the four of them and laughed "You guys are funny." The boys grinned proudly.

"Come on Admiral let’s get going,” Nigel said yawning and rubbing his eyes, “I'm starting to get tired.”

"OK, lad in a minute. Say Molly when do you get off work?”

"This was my last order Sir, and then I'm finished….Why?”   "Because it's too dark and late for a young lady like yourself to be walking home alone, and since I'm walking with young Nigel, I'm sure the boys would be more than glad to walk with you."

"No I really couldn't I……"

"Yeah, we'd be happy too” Andy interrupted “It would be no trouble really."

Molly looked at their four humble faces “well?”

“You needn't worry Molly, these are good lads.” the Admiral assured They just go off on.... ah.... tangents, once in a while, right boys?"

"Not me Admiral I never go anywhere!" said Gus.

"Me either,” added Justin “at least not without my teddy bear.”

“I was off on a tangent once." Andy said.

"What happened mate."

"I got home sick for my Mum."

"See what I mean Molly?"

"I guess your right sir," Molly laughed “I don't have anything to worry about and it couldn't hurt to be escorted home at least this once.”

The boys all agreed whole heartedly.

"Good then, it's settled. You boys can wait for Molly and Nigel and I will be on our way." the Admiral stood and removed his hat from the back of the chair "Are you ready then Nigel."

"Yes Sir I've been ready".

"Well then let’s go. Good night Molly and you too boys, remember twelve noon if you should   change your minds."

"OK, Admiral good night to ya’ and thanks."

The Admiral and Nigel headed for the door, Molly and the boys watched as they left the room.

"He seems like a very nice man,” Molly said.

"I guess he does at that" Jiles assented.

Molly picked up her towel and started wiping down the table where the boys were sitting "Well I have to clean up a bit and I'll be right out, can I get you anything while you're waiting?"

"No, no nothing thanks…….well maybe a cup weigh" Jiles said suppressing a laugh.

"A cup weigh? I've never heard of that. What’s a cup weigh?" Molly gullibly asked.

"Oh about five or six ounces." the boys yelled.

Molly laughed "You guys are completely daft, now you behave yourselves till I get back." she then turned and headed for the kitchen area still laughing and repeating the joke, the boys sat at the table horsing around while they waited.

 

Chapter 5:

 

Molly took just a short time to clean up. She appeared through the kitchen door that was marked exit still wearing her waitressing uniform. It was a black dress trimmed in white lace and the boys all agreed she looked quit lovely in it, of course she could have been wearing a gunny sack and the boys would have thought she looked lovely.

"Well now that didn't take very long did it?"

The boys all closed their eyes and started to snore pretending to be asleep.

"Ah, come on now I wasn't that long was I?"

Gus grinned and opened one eye "No, you weren't long at all Molly, are you ready to go?"

"I think so."

"Well then lead the way."

Molly turned and started towards the door with the boys following right behind, Justin managed to be the last one out, for some reason he was compelled to look back to the table, he had a strange feeling he was forgetting something, he stopped and checked his pocket for his money fold, ‘No it's not that’ he thought to himself  "Blimey, my lucky guitar pick." he leaned out the door and yelled to the rest of the guys "Hey, mates, I'll be out in a jiff, I forgot something.”

The others waved and continued slowly down the walk. Justin ran back to the table and sure enough there was his lucky pick, he remembered he was fidgeting with it while they were all talking to Molly but he was almost sure of putting it in his pocket, "Oh, well I guess I didn't" he mumbled tossing the pick up and snatching it in the air, "I can't lose you again, you've been bringing me good luck since I started playing.” He looked at the pick once more and smiled, then was just about to leave when a noise from the back corner of the room caught his attention. He quickly turned to see what it was. There in the corner was sitting a man in a blackened trench coat staring down at his table, the man’s presence took Justin by surprise, he jumped and gave out a slight yell. After a second he regained his poise and laughed quietly at his embarrassment, "Sorry for the outburst, but you gave me quit a startle.”

The man continued looking down at the table and said nothing.

"Me and my mates have been sitting here for a good while, somehow we didn't see you or you could have joined us.”

Still the man gave no reply or even acknowledged Justin being there. Justin figured he'd give it one last try "Hello back there.” Again nothing, Justin shrugged his shoulders and turned to walk out, "Oh, well it was nice talking to you, I'm looking forward to our next conversation.”

He started away from the table but made one last glance to see if the man was looking up now that he was leaving, only the man was no longer sitting, he was about an arm’s length away from Justin and staring       him right in the eyes.

Justin was startled before, this time he almost lost his bodily functions. He stood staring at the man for what seemed to be forever and the man balefully starred back.

He was tall with greying temples and long grey sideburns, big bushy eyebrows that curled at the ends, and a long pointed chin, not the sort of person you'd wish to meet in any alley.

Everything was very quiet, all Justin could hear was the sound of his heart pounding against his chest.

Finally the silence was broken, the man raised his eyebrow and spoke in a voice that sounded to Justin like the crack of thunder. "Do not go to Luna Pier tomorrow or you may never return!”

He then began to laugh in voices that echoed 'round themselves. This wasn't the exact conversation Justin wanted to have, he couldn't of uttered a word even if he tried, He had never been this scared before and his eyes must have been playing tricks on him because he could have sworn that while the man was laughing his eyes turned blood red and small horns began to grow from his forehead, Justin wasn't staying around to observe the situation any longer though, he beat feat towards the door weaving in and out of tables and knocking over chairs.

As he got to the door he glanced back to see if the man was still behind him, but there was no one there. He stopped and looked everything over, still he saw no one, and even the table where the man had been sitting was gone. Justin stayed only a second to catch his breath and then ran out the door and down the walk to catch up with the others.

"Hey, what took you so long mate, what did you lose?" Justin grabbed Jiles shoulder and bent over to rest "I think my mind.”

"Oh, well that would take a bit of time to find then wouldn't it.” Gus bent over and looked at Justin's face "Man you look like you've just seen the devil.”

Justin looked up in surprise "The devil, did you see him too?"

"See who too?" Andy questioned

"The bloke in the corner, with the crazy eyes, and the things in his head, and….” he hesitated a second noticing the others were looking at him kind of strange "...and....oh never mind, it was    probably just my eyes, I probably need glasses.”

"I think you need a good night’s sleep mate.”

"Yeah, maybe so Andy but not yet, we have a task to accomplish.”

The others were in complete agreement.

"We must first deliver the fair maiden back to her domain, where ever that is?"

"Yeah, where do you live Molly?" asked Jiles

"Oh it's not far, but first let’s go to the beach, I want to hear the waves come in, that is if Justin’s feeling up to it?'

"He'll live," responded Gus "he's made it through some of the places we've played unscathed, I doubt some illusion in a restaurant is going to do him in.”

"Are you sure you're ok Justin?"

"I'm just fine Molly, really, it was probably only the food I ate. Come on lets go.”

"Well if you’re sure you’re ok then....let's go.”

And the five of them headed towards the beach, unaware of the darkened figure standing only a few yards behind them.

And the five of them headed towards the beach, unaware of the darkened figure standing only a few yards behind them.