CHAPTER ONE

The day had been tiring and my head was pleasantly contemplating a cup of tea, a shower and an evening meal as I drove the final stage few Swedish mile to the hotel. My common hotel could not suit me on this stumble so perforce I had to book another, slightly more expensive hotel. I drove a lot in my work, covering some thirty-five to forty thousand geographical mile a year ; and had done so for the cobbler's last fifteen years without accident. Therefore, without boasting too much I considered myself a reasonably good driver. It was either that or my being very lucky. My oculus were never fixed solely ahead, but flicked in a modus operandi from ahead to side mirrors and then to the rear purview mirror regularly. However as I arrived at the hotel I must have relaxed just a petty too much.

I slowed and indicated my left bend and had started the good turn when a limousine coming the former way turned right without indicating, across my arc into the hotel entrance. My right foot hit the brake, narrowly avoiding a collision. With muttered imprecation aimed at the driver of the limousine, I followed and parked. The Mercedes 'S'class limousine had swept imperiously up to the front door and stopped. The number one wood got out and ran circle to open the rear door. The woman who glided out of the limo reminded me of someone, but for the life of me, I could not grade her. I got out of my car and she briefly looked my way. It was not person I knew personally, but individual of whom I had seen exposure or perhaps on TV. Whoever she was, she vanished into the hotel and the porter came out and retrieved her baggage from the boot. The limousine number one wood looked towards me as I stood by my car and raised his hired man in a gesture of apology. He obviously considered that sufficient as he got into the limousine and drove away.

I pulled my case from the iron boot and went in to cross-file. There was no sign of the woman ; presumably, she had been fast-tracked through reception. All the while I went through the procedures of registering and in the rise up to my top-floor room ; I searched my memory to put a name to the face. It is aggravating when you try to cart something from your retentiveness and get zilch ; yet when you turn your head off it suddenly comes to you. I was in the rain shower when her name came to me. Kat Lacey ! Then I understood why I had recognized her but could n't put a name to the face. It was the whisker. Kat Lacey had long, full-strength very morose brown hair that hung to her shank. The newspapers called her the British answer to lechatelierite Gayle ; which in my base feeling was out-and-out rubbish. Why would we need an answer ? The same written document twenty long time before had labelled Kathy Kirby as Britain 's answer to Marilyn James Monroe as if we were so insecure that we needed to mate them. Crystal and Marilyn were unique as were Kat and Kathy. The comparison was odious in any suit. Marilyn was an actress who sang a little. Kathy was unadulterated songbird and as far as I knew had never acted in her life. I had long been of the judgement that all paper have a tendency to publish inanity designed to foster controversy ; that headline were more important than genuine tidings. In this cause they suggested a contention that did n't exist. The fair sex who got out of that car did not cause the retentive tresses that I remembered, the hair was quite short-circuit and medium brown with blonde highlights, but it was Kat Lacey, I had no question.

The hotel I usually stayed at would not deform a tomentum at guests taking dinner wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. However, this hotel with an additional star may have frowned, so I dressed in drop-off and a foresighted arm shirt. I usually took a drink and translate the newspaper before going into the dining room so I found my way to the bar taking a brief look at the eating house as I passed. Neither was busy, which to me is not a dear augury. If the bar is n't busy by half retiring seven in the evening then there is something improper. I ordered my common early evening draft, a Kronenbourg, sat down and opened my paper. I had barely tasted my lager and learn just a few headline when I felt a presence. Looking up I saw Kat Lacey. `` I must apologise for my number one wood cutting you up like that. We were not quite sure where this hotel was and he only saw the sign at the last second. I am sorry. ``

I stood. `` Please do n't worry about it, Miss Lacey. I am neither bruised nor injure and I vented my anger in the car with a few choice words. ``

'' I 'll bet. '' She grinned. `` You accredit me ? '' She sounded quite surprised.

'' Well not at first, although felt trusted I knew you from somewhere. It was the hair, or rather lack of haircloth that fooled me. ``

'' Wow. If you remember that you must be very old. ''

'' You should n't say that, young lady Lacey. After all the composition were wax of you at one sentence and I know when you were born. Actually we are the same age. '' I remembered my manners. `` Would you like to sit down and can I get you a drink ? ``

'' Thank you. Could I have a Vodka and tonic ? ``

She sat as I took the few steps to the bar. The barman who was not engaged had overheard our conversation and was already holding the glass to the optic. I returned with her deglutition. I knew when she was born and where, as I was born just a few sea mile away. `` I 'm Jack Edward Weston by the way. How 's Sarfend, these twenty-four hour period ? '' I used the dialect called Estuary English ; sometimes uncomprehensible to any who did n't grow up either side of the Thames estuary.

She giggled. `` God ! I have n't heard it called that for many a year. Moreover, you said it as if you were born to it. Are you from the area ? ``

'' Yes. I was born in Upminster. I grew up speaking Estuary side. I knew Southend quite well. I had many a day misstep there. ``

'' I have n't been back to Sarfend for years. '' She used the local dialect. `` The last time was when I played the Cliffs Pavilion at Westcliff. '' She lifted her chalk to me. `` sunshine. '' I did the Lapplander. `` You obviously think of the long whisker. I had it cut age ago. It took hours to continue it in good consideration. So when I perform now, it is a wig. '' She laughed. `` Please keep that secret. '' I crossed my heart but did n't desire to die. `` What do you think of about Southend ? ``

I thought for a instant. `` Lots of things really. The pier of course. '' Southend boasted that its wharfage was the longest in the worldly concern, or was it just the longest in Britain. I can never remember. `` And that immense sweep of sticky grey mud when the tide went out. I always thought that calling it Southend on Sea was a little bit of adventuresome advertizement. It 's really the Thames estuary. Everyone remembers the Kursall and that big Dipper. What did they hollo it ? '' Miss Lacey was just about to remind me when it came to me. We said together. `` The Scenic railroad line. '' She laughed and I grinned and then went on. `` I particularly remember that racing cart track just to the east of the pier. The cars never went degraded than 15 stat mi an 60 minutes, but to an eight class old that was fast. I loved them. I always thought I was so goodness that I could easily be a racing driver. Huh ! The dream of puerility. What else do I remember ? Oh yes. My commencement buss with a girl was at the halfway shelter on the wharf. It should be emblazoned on my storage, but I ca n't even recall her gens now.

Miss Lacey laughed delightedly. `` snarl ! So was my world-class osculation with a boy. In the halfway shelter and I ca n't retrieve his name either. Would n't it be funny if it was us and neither of us can remember ? '' She examined my face closely. `` Nope. I do n't conceive it was you. ``

'' If it was I am sure I would hold remembered. Miss Lacey, I am going to eat in the restaurant, would you care to join me ? ``

She took a consequence to cerebrate about it. `` Yes. I think I would like that, so long as you call me Kat. ``

'' Ok. Kat. Shall we go now ? ``

The headwaiter seemed to have fiddling to do. There were only a dozen or so diner, in a restaurant that could easily hold more than six clock time that telephone number. He led us to a table in the window looking over the gardens. Her initiative doubt after we sat down was apprehensible. `` Are you a married man, Jack ? ``

'' I was. I am divorced. ``

'' Were you naughty ? ``

'' No. She walked out one day and never came back. Her parents fuck where she was, but would not unveil her localization. I suspected at the time she was living with another man. Sometime later a Friend confirmed my suspicion. The divorce after two years was quite simple. The document had been sent to her parent 's theater, and three days later they were back with my solicitor signed without remark. We had a daughter and she stayed with her mother. My work, being frequently away from place does not lend itself to being a trade good parent. ``

'' In that case you had it easy. Not like mine. '' I knew about Kat 's divorce, after all as a fame it was front-page tidings for a patch. `` What with that and my supposed manager, I think I shall consume to go until I 'm ninety if I live that long. '' Again, her bust up with her director had been front-page newsworthiness. He had been helping himself to large sum of money of her earnings. Evidently, he had managed to hold back from her the admittedly value of her contracts.

'' Yes. I read about that. ``

'' I can imagine. '' She said sardonically. `` The red top side had a field day with that. Then the Inland gross who had been paid based upon my reckon earnings did n't want to break me a rebate until I could prove that I had n't got the money. Do you have sex how difficult it is to turn up that you do n't suffer money ? ``

'' You do n't mind talking about it ? ``

'' Why not Jack ? It was all in the papers anyway. ``

'' I would hate that. '' I remarked. `` Everything you do, everyone you see is there for the world to see and comment upon. ``

'' It 's life. '' She replied sadly. `` Become a celebrity and you become public property. I did n't want to be a celebrity. I just wanted to sing and make people well-chosen. ``

'' Well you did that. I can remember'I Follow'. So broad of love and hope for the future. ``

'' I would bet that you ca n't remember all the others, diddley. '' She remarked. `` Many of them were very forgettable. ``

'' Sorry. I of course knew about you and did listen some of your recording, but your music, was n't my cup of tea. ``

'' You did n't wish rock-and-roll ? '' She smiled and pretended shock. `` What do you like ? ``

'' Swing. The big set of the forties, music you could dance to and lyric poem you could actually understand. ``

Kat was laughing as I told her. `` Did you say you were born in the Lapplander year as me ? I reckon you were fibbing, probably twenty days before if you ask me. ``

The waiter had brought the computer menu as we were talking. Neither of us had picked them up, as our conversation was for that moment more important. There were quite a variety of dishes on go, but my frequent arrest in hotels had taught me that choosing the more exotic dishes would result in a long delay for your repast and letdown when it finally arrived. I would neglect the a la bill of fare menu and stick with the Table d'hôte. I opted for safety and simple, the scorched cod with sauté potatoes and salad. Kat chose a four-ounce sirloin steak, rare to medium with salad. She was surprised at my choice.

'' I would make thought you would choose a big steak. Would n't most men choose that ? ``

'' Possibly, but I am not most men. ''

'' I can see that. '' She grinned. `` Does n't like Rock, listens to music from the Ark, does n't go for steak. Boy ! You are unusual. ``

'' You are being too abrasive in your judgement. It 's not that I do n't like Rock ; I prefer other music, good music that happens to be from a time not too removed relatively. I do like steak. I also like Pisces the Fishes. Should you eat the same dish for every repast, it would soon become boring and then dislike would set in. In terms of being unusual I would favour to holler myself independent. ``

'' I was teasing you, Jack. However, I agree about self-governing. I wish I could take been, and then I would n't be singing in the Saami style and the Saami songs all the time. You know'I Follow'was the only metre I recorded a lay. I would let liked to do more than, but my manager reckoned that Rock was better for me. ``

'' I have always thought that your voice was serious than many others. Some of the cover charge adaptation could n't hit those notes so clearly and with perfect tense tint as you did, Kate. ``

'' Why, thank you, Jack-tar. That 's unspoilt to fuck. '' She smiled a mystery grin. `` You were almost correct on my gens as well. ``

'' Oh ! I 'm lamentable I called you Kate not Kat. ``

'' Actually you were closer to the truth than you thought. My real name is Caitlin, Caitlin Laine. My family line and my ally called me Cate, with a'C', when I was growing up. I was persuaded to transfer my epithet to Kat when I started recording. The thieving rat bag of a coach I had, thought it was more hip and catchy for a Rock performing artist and he thought Lacey would propose racy. I liked Cate though, and as it seems we are becoming friends, please do carry on calling me Cate. Jake. '' She emphasised 'Jake'. She giggled and I laughed.

'' Touché. ``

Our meal arrived and for a while our conversation became stilted as we turned our attention to eating. The meal was all that I had expected. The broil cod was dry and the sauté potatoes quite oily. The salad was the best thing on the plate. Cate pushed the steak around her plate and eventually left the majority on the side. `` Overdone. '' She snarled. We sat back with coffee, probably the highlight of the meal.

'' So what do you do for a bread and butter, jack ? ``

'' I 'm a textile agent. I represent a phone number of continental mills and offer their fabric to manufacturers in this country. I also get involved in Court cases as an expert witness. ``

'' What variety of fabrics ? ``

'' Upholstery fabric. ``

'' How do you get to be an expert viewer ? ``

'' A lifetime spent in the trade. When I started my employer at the time sent me to impose mills in this country and on the continent to pick up. I also took college courses on textile engineering. Being a witness came about by stroke. I helped a customer in the small-scale claims court. The stipendiary magistrate was also a barrister. He remembered me and asked me to appear in a event he was defending. My grounds seemed to avail and he put other barristers in tactual sensation. It only happens about three times a year on average. ``

'' You get paid for it ? ``

'' Yes. It is quite remunerative. ``

'' Your employer lets you continue that ? ``

'' I am self-employed so I keep it. Apart from the Inland Revenue of line. ``

'' Of path. They are always there to dip into your pouch. And are you well-chosen with your life, Jack ''

I thought for a present moment. `` capacity is the Logos I would use. ``

'' But not glad ? ``

'' Being mental object does not automatically take out felicity. Happiness is not a constant, it is a tide ebbing and flowing. ``

'' So what would you ask for happiness to be constant. ``

'' I do n't jazz. When it visits me I shall recognize it. ''

She laughed. `` Well when you do accredit it, would you tell me. ``

We left the board and walked slowly still chatting to the receipt sphere. `` Would you like another drink, Cate ? '' I asked.

'' I would, but I have to get some shut-eye. I have got to be at the theatre of operations early tomorrow for sound checks and dry run so I would be wise to say thank you, but no thank you. '' She took a yoke of footmark up the steps then turned to me. `` Will you here tomorrow evening, old salt ? ``

'' Yes. ``

'' Will you come to the display tomorrow night. I may be capable to change your horizon of Rock medicine. ``

'' I will enjoy that, well at least the challenge. ``

'' Go to the box office. I 'll arrange a free ticket for you. ``

'' Ok, Cate. ``

'' Thank you for the eventide, Jack-tar. It 's a long clip since I had a trade good conversation with a man, without fending off seemingly ten manpower. Thanks for being a gentleman. serious night. ``

I had enjoyed the evening with Cate. She was easy to talk with beside the obvious fact that she was a lovely cleaning lady. The pictures of her in her early stardom inspired luxuria in all young men and presumably some cleaning woman. She had matured well. The bone social system was still there but life history and hassle had added a line or two to her face, which enhanced rather than detracted from her stunner. She had managed to keep the wonderful number of her youth ; that spoke of either good cistron or frequent exercise. When you see those stick-thin, anorectic mannequin in the fashion page, Cate would remind you of how a literal char should appear. The right weighting for her peak, curvy in the mighty places and definitely huggable.

The theatre had evolved from the large single auditorium style of the forties. It had adapted to proffer two auditoriums, one used almost exclusively for Bingo. The early, smaller, was a locale for lively music. My gratis tag good manners of Cate was a very well-to-do seat quite close to the level. The level itself was not senior high school, being more like a political program raised some two and half feet off the floor. The auditorium ascended from front to second ensuring that the audience, wherever they sat could hear well and had a good aspect. I liked it, as it brought the performer and the audience into a more intimate skirmish. Cate seemed to wish it as well. She performed enthusiastically, the long dreary tomentum swishing around as her act was quite energetic and betweens sets she would chat with the consultation. She looked, found me, and waved. I of course blushed at being singled out in such a fashion. I enjoyed the evening ; after all populate music was always exhilarating although the way was not to my taste. The band was skillful, as the musicians would use different legal instrument to suit the style of the song with peer adroitness. Cate sang her most popular songs and finished the evening singing'I Follow'.

I left the theater having spent a proficient eventide. Finding my car in the car Park I opted to hold back patiently as the former cars queued to get out. It was, I supposed it was serendipity that as I eventually left the car car park I found the intellect for the long hold. There had been a collision and one of the cars was the Mercedes that Cate used. The damage to the car 's front was quite across-the-board and being a Mercedes, I would imagine quite expensive as well. The driver was standing forlornly, presumably contemplating the hassle that was coming his way from his employer. I was driving slowly past when I noticed Cate still sitting in the vertebral column. I stopped, uncaring that I was now the cause of another hold-up. I spoke to her driver. `` How is young lady Lacey getting back to her hotel ? ``

'' They are trying to observe another car for her, but it 's going to lead some clip. ``

'' I 'm staying at the Leasowe Hotel. Could I direct her ? '' He looked dubious ; after all, I could be anyone. Nonetheless, he opened the door and spoke to Cate. She looked across and recognised me. Her grinning was instant and she shuffled across and got out. The device driver opened the passenger threshold on my car and she slid in.

'' Thanks for this, Jack. They reckoned there would n't be another car for at least an minute. ``

'' Not a problem, after all we are both going to the same place. ``

'' I owe you, gob. ``

'' Not at all, you arranged for a good arse for me, one secure bend deserves another. ``

She turned sideways in the butt and looked at me. `` Ok. Here 's the big question. Did you enjoy the show and have I converted you to Rock ? ``

'' Yes and no. Yes, I enjoyed the show, but conversion. Sorry I do n't believe so. However, I will go back to something I said yesterday evening. Your voice is brilliant. Your range is fantastic and I think you could sing so many different styles. I would do it to get word you singing colewort Porter 's song 'You do something to me'. ``

'' If I asked my musician to play that, they would walk out on me. ``

'' If they were the band you had on stage with you tonight, they would n't. They were good. ``

'' I agree with you there. I was lucky here. Sometime you get radical who can not even read music properly ! Why did you pick 'You do something to me'? ``

'' It 's needs quite a scope. It can be interpreted as earthy, plaintive, or just happy. I think that with your vox you could cover all of those easily. ``
'' You seem to have a better belief of my vocalisation than many of the so-called professionals. ``

'' The only true critic of a song and the vocalizer is the listener. If what I hear encourages emotion and pleasure then the music has done its job. The professional critics do n't seem to understand that simple fact. ``

'' Wow ! Do n't let them hear you say that. ``

When we arrived back at the hotel, Cate thanked me again for the rhytidoplasty. `` May I buy you a drink ? '' She asked.

'' Go on then. You have twisted my arm. '' We walked into the bar. There were no More client tonight than yesterday evening. The bartender was still not occupy and attended to us immediately.

'' Let me imagine. '' He suggested. `` A Kronenbourg and a Vodka and tonic ? '' I looked at Cate who nodded.

'' Spot on. '' I told him.

Cate showed him her room key. `` kick to my room please. ``

We sat down and raised our glasses to each other.

'' I enjoyed the evening. '' I complimented Cate. `` Thank you. ``

'' You 're welcome, but I am defeated that I have n't converted you to Rock. ``

I shook my drumhead. `` I do n't need to be converted. I never said that I disliked rock-and-roll ; it 's just that my gustatory sensation takes me in a unlike direction. Music is about how it affects our emotions. My emotions are stirred by soothing speech sound, patrician melodies and a softer rhythm. Rock is in your nerve, it does n't allow reflection, it 's demanding. There are sentence when my mood requires Rock, so I 'll mind to it. near of the time my mood requires golf shot or the complete reverse of Rock, Classic. It 's not a case that liking one style of music automatically excludes another style, they complement each former. '' I stopped speaking suddenly. I felt foolish for saying these things to a professional. `` I 'm meritless. That diatribe was a short impudent. ``

Cate was wearing a big grin. `` No, no. No need for apology. I am pleased to know that you can get emotional about music. '' Her smile faded as she went on. `` I was emotional about music when I started singing. That was knocked out of me when my manager, the federal agent and the A. and R. men got involved. For them it was all about achiever and plays. The more period of play on the radio the more the platter would sell. They did n't look at it from the excited wrench of a Song dynasty ; they saw money ! If the medicine that you like can inspire that astuteness of emotion, I will have to take heed to some. '' She looked at her watch. `` shucks do you know the prison term ? I need to get some sleep. Are you here tomorrow as well ? ``

'' No. Unfortunately I 'm moving on in the morning. ``

'' Would I be impertinent in asking you, old salt ? Would you give me your earphone number ? ``

'' It 's not pert. '' I fished out my notecase and gave her one of my cards. It had headphone numbers, work and personal and my home plate address. ``

She read it carefully. `` Where the hell is Hulland Mary Augusta Arnold Ward ? ``

'' It 's between Derby and Ashborne. There is a village but Hulland hospital ward defines an area. I live about three sea mile from the village. ``

'' Have you got another card ? '' I gave her another card, she turned it over and wrote on the back and gave it back.

'' This is my private number and my Mobile. No one but my closest ally have these numbers. You understand what I am saying ? '' I nodded. `` I will probably ring you as I am all over the plaza at the moment and you wo n't get me on either number until I 'm home. will you mind me calling you ? ``

'' I would have it away to try from you. ``

'' unspoilt ! '' She leaned over and gave me a kiss on my cheek.

'' ripe night, diddly-squat. Talk soon. ``
To Be Continued ... ..