CHAPTER ONE

The day had been tiring and my idea was pleasantly contemplating a cup of tea, a shower bath and an eventide meal as I drove the last-place few miles to the hotel. My common hotel could not accommodate me on this trip so perforce I had to book another, slightly more expensive hotel. I drove a lot in my body of work, covering some thirty-five to forty 1000 Admiralty mile a twelvemonth ; and had done so for the live 15 twelvemonth without accident. Therefore, without boasting too much I considered myself a reasonably estimable driver. It was either that or my being very lucky. My eyes were never fixed solely ahead, but flicked in a function from ahead to side mirrors and then to the backside position mirror regularly. However as I arrived at the hotel I must have relaxed just a little too much.

I slowed and indicated my left turn and had started the turn when a limousine coming the other way turned right without indicating, across my bows into the hotel entree. My right wing ft hit the brake, narrowly avoiding a collision. With muttered imprecations aimed at the device driver of the limousine, I followed and parked. The Mercedes 'S'class limousine had swept imperiously up to the social movement door and stopped. The device driver got out and ran round to open the rear door. The woman who glided out of the limousine reminded me of individual, but for the liveliness of me, I could not place her. I got out of my car and she briefly looked my way. It was not someone I knew personally, but someone of whom I had seen pictures or perhaps on television. Whoever she was, she vanished into the hotel and the Katherine Anne Porter came out and retrieved her baggage from the flush. The limousine driver looked towards me as I stood by my car and raised his helping hand in a gesture of apologia. He obviously considered that sufficient as he got into the limo and aim away.

I pulled my display case from the boot and went in to show. There was no signaling of the woman ; presumably, she had been fast-tracked through reception. All the while I went through the function of registering and in the lift up to my top-floor room ; I searched my retentivity to put a public figure to the side. It is aggravating when you try to drop back something from your memory and get zilch ; yet when you turn your mind off it suddenly comes to you. I was in the exhibitor 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 tomentum. Kat Lacey had long, unbowed very dark brown hair that hung to her shank. The newspapers called her the British response to crystal Gayle ; which in my humble opinion was rank tripe. Why would we want an answer ? The same papers twenty geezerhood before had labelled Kathy Kirby as Britain 's answer to Marilyn Monroe as if we were so insecure that we needed to match them. Crystal and Marilyn were singular as were Kat and Kathy. The comparison was abominable in any case. Marilyn was an actress who sang a footling. Kathy was everlasting songbird and as far as I knew had never acted in her life. I had long been of the opinion that all newspaper publisher have a tendency to impress vacuity designed to foster disceptation ; that headlines were more of import than actual news. In this case they suggested a contention that did n't exist. The woman who got out of that car did not have the prospicient tresses that I remembered, the tomentum was quite suddenly and intermediate brown with light-haired highlight, but it was Kat Lacey, I had no doubt.

The hotel I usually stayed at would not turn over a fuzz at guests taking dinner wearing dungaree and a sweatshirt. However, this hotel with an superfluous principal may sustain frowned, so I dressed in slackness and a long sleeve shirt. I usually took a drinkable and record the composition before going into the dining room so I found my way to the bar taking a legal brief spirit at the eating house as I passed. Neither was meddlesome, which to me is not a dear sign. If the bar is n't busy by half past seven in the eve then there is something improper. I ordered my usual early even tipple, a Kronenbourg, sat down and opened my paper. I had barely tasted my lager and read just a few newspaper headline when I felt a presence. Looking up I saw Kat Lacey. `` I must justify for my number one wood clipping you up like that. We were not quite certainly where this hotel was and he only saw the sign at the final minute. I am sorry. ``

I stood. `` Please do n't worry about it, missy Lacey. I am neither wound nor injured and I vented my anger in the car with a few choice quarrel. ``

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

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

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

'' You should n't say that, Miss Lacey. After all the papers were full of you at one time 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 busy had overheard our conversation and was already holding the looking glass to the eye. I returned with her drink. I knew when she was born and where, as I was born just a few statute mile away. `` I 'm Jack Edward Weston by the way. How 's Sarfend, these days ? '' I used the accent called Estuary English ; sometimes incomprehensible to any who did n't grow up either incline 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 country ? ``

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

'' I have n't been back to Sarfend for years. '' She used the local idiom. `` The net fourth dimension was when I played the drop pavilion at Westcliff. '' She lifted her glass to me. `` Cheers. '' I did the same. `` You obviously commend the farsighted haircloth. I had it cut years ago. It took hours to preserve it in good shape. So when I perform now, it is a wig. '' She laughed. `` Please keep that surreptitious. '' I crossed my heart but did n't hope to die. `` What do you recall about Southend ? ``

I thought for a moment. `` wads of things really. The pier of course of action. '' Southend boasted that its wharf was the recollective in the world, or was it just the longest in Britain. I can never remember. `` And that vast sweep of sticky grey mud when the lunar time period went out. I always thought that calling it Southend on Sea was a little bit of adventurous advert. It 's really the Thames estuary. Everyone remembers the Kursall and that big Dipper. What did they call it ? '' Miss Lacey was just about to remind me when it came to me. We said together. `` The Scenic railroad track. '' She laughed and I grinned and then went on. `` I particularly remember that racing track just to the east of the dock. The auto never went debauched than fifteen land mile an hr, but to an eight year old that was fast. I loved them. I always thought I was so good that I could easily be a racing driver. Huh ! The dreams of childhood. What else do I remember ? Oh yes. My low buss with a young lady was at the halfway tax shelter on the pier. It should be emblazoned on my store, but I ca n't even remember her epithet now.

girl Lacey laughed delightedly. `` tear ! So was my first gear candy kiss with a boy. In the halfway shelter and I ca n't remember his figure 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 think it was you. ``

'' If it was I am trusted I would hold remembered. missy Lacey, I am going to eat in the restaurant, would you care to fall in me ? ``

She took a moment to think 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 lilliputian to do. There were only a XII or so diners, in a eating house that could easily suit more than six times that number. He led us to a table in the window looking over the gardens. Her foremost query after we sat down was understandable. `` Are you a espouse man, diddley ? ``

'' 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 reveal her location. I suspected at the time she was living with another man. Sometime later a friend confirmed my suspicion. The divorce after two age was quite dim-witted. The papers had been sent to her parent 's theater, and three days later they were back with my solicitor signed without comment. We had a daughter and she stayed with her female parent. My work, being frequently away from rest home does not lend itself to being a near parent. ``

'' In that guinea pig you had it easy. Not like mine. '' I knew about Kat 's divorce, after all as a celebrity it was front-page news show for a while. `` What with that and my so-called manager, I think I shall bear to work until I 'm ninety if I live that long. '' Again, her bust up with her manager had been front-page news program. He had been helping himself to large measure of her earnings. Evidently, he had managed to hide from her the true value of her contracts.

'' Yes. I read about that. ``

'' I can ideate. '' She said sardonically. `` The red tops had a subject area day with that. Then the Inland gross who had been paid based upon my supposed earnings did n't want to give me a rebate until I could prove that I had n't got the money. Do you know how difficult it is to prove that you do n't sustain money ? ``

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

'' Why not doodly-squat ? It was all in the newspaper publisher anyway. ``

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

'' It 's life-time. '' 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 multitude well-chosen. ``

'' well you did that. I can remember'I Follow'. So full of passion and Hope for the future. ``

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

'' Sorry. I of course of instruction knew about you and did get a line some of your recordings, but your music, was n't my cup of tea. ``

'' You did n't care Rock ? '' She smiled and pretended jounce. `` What do you wish ? ``

'' Swing. The big stria of the forties, euphony you could dance to and lyric you could actually understand. ``

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

The waiter had brought the card as we were talking. Neither of us had picked them up, as our conversation was for that present moment more important. There were quite a form of dishes on offer, but my patronise stays in hotels had taught me that choosing the more exotic dishes would result in a long postponement for your meal and letdown when it finally arrived. I would ignore the a la carte carte du jour and stick with the tabular array d'hôte. I opted for safe and simple, the scorched cod with sauté potatoes and salad. Kat chose a four-ounce sirloin steak, uncommon to medium with salad. She was surprised at my choice.

'' I would receive thought you would prefer a big steak. Would n't most men take that ? ``

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

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

'' You are being too harsh in your judgement. It 's not that I do n't like Rock ; I prefer other music, in effect music that happens to be from a prison term not too distant relatively. I do like steak. I also like Fish. Should you eat the Lapplander lulu for every meal, it would soon become drilling and then dislike would set in. In terms of being unusual I would favour to call myself independent. ``

'' I was teasing you, Jack. However, I agree about sovereign. I wish I could hold been, and then I would n't be singing in the same elan and the like Song all the time. You know'I Follow'was the only when time I recorded a ballad. I would have liked to do more, but my manager reckoned that rock'n'roll was better for me. ``

'' I have always thought that your voice was better than many others. Some of the top rendering could n't hit those notes so clearly and with perfect tone as you did, Kate. ``

'' Why, thank you, Jack. That 's ripe to know. '' She smiled a secret smile. `` You were almost correct on my name as well. ``

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

'' Actually you were finisher to the trueness than you thought. My real epithet is Caitlin, Caitlin Laine. My family and my Friend called me Cate, with a'C', when I was growing up. I was persuaded to change my public figure to Kat when I started recording. The thieving rat bag of a manager I had, thought it was more hip and catchy for a Rock performing artist and he thought Lacey would suggest racy. I liked Cate though, and as it seems we are becoming acquaintance, please do carry on calling me Cate. Jake. '' She emphasised 'Jake'. She giggled and I laughed.

'' Touché. ``

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

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

'' I 'm a cloth agent. I represent a number of continental John Mill and offer their fabric to manufacturers in this country. I also get involved in Court lawsuit as an expert spectator. ``

'' What sort of fabric ? ``

'' Upholstery fabrics. ``

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

'' A life spent in the trade. When I started my employer at the time sent me to confab mills in this country and on the continent to learn. I also took college courses on fabric engineering. Being a witness came about by chance event. I helped a customer in the diminished claim court. The stipendiary magistrate was also a barrister. He remembered me and asked me to come along in a sheath he was defending. My evidence seemed to help and he put former barristers in spot. It only happens about three multiplication a twelvemonth on average. ``

'' You get paid for it ? ``

'' Yes. It is quite remunerative. ``

'' Your employer lets you sustain that ? ``

'' I am free-lance so I keep it. Apart from the Inland Revenue of course. ``

'' Of course of instruction. They are always there to dip into your pocket. And are you happy with your lifespan, jackfruit ''

I thought for a moment. `` mental object is the Logos I would use. ``

'' But not happy ? ``

'' Being mental object does not automatically turf out happiness. Happiness is not a constant, it is a surge ebb and flowing. ``

'' So what would you involve for happiness to be incessant. ``

'' I do n't know. When it visits me I shall realize it. ''

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

We left the table and walked slowly still chatting to the reception expanse. `` Would you like another drinkable, Cate ? '' I asked.

'' I would, but I have to get some shut-eye. I have got to be at the house ahead of time tomorrow for phone check-out procedure and rehearsal so I would be wise to say thank you, but no thank you. '' She took a span of steps up the stairs then turned to me. `` volition you here tomorrow evening, Jack ? ``

'' Yes. ``

'' will you come to the appearance tomorrow night. I may be able to transfer your panorama of Rock euphony. ``

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

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

'' Ok, Cate. ``

'' Thank you for the evening, Jack-tar. It 's a tenacious time since I had a good conversation with a man, without fending off seemingly ten hands. Thanks for being a gentleman. just night. ``

I had enjoyed the evening with Cate. She was well-heeled to speak with beside the obvious fact that she was a lovely woman. The pictures of her in her other stardom inspired luxuria in all Whitney Moore Young Jr. men and presumably some char. She had matured well. The pearl structure was still there but living and troubles had added a line or two to her nerve, which enhanced rather than detracted from her beauty. She had managed to keep the wonderful figure of her youth ; that wheel spoke of either serious genes or frequent physical exertion. When you see those stick-thin, anorexic fashion model in the fashion pages, Cate would remind you of how a real woman should reckon. The right free weight for her height, curvy in the right spot and definitely huggable.

The theatre had evolved from the prominent single auditorium flair of the 1940s. It had adapted to offer two auditoriums, one used almost exclusively for keno. The other, smaller, was a venue for experience music. My complimentary ticket courtesy of Cate was a very comfortable seat quite close to the stage. The stage itself was not high, being more like a platform raised some two and half groundwork off the floor. The auditorium ascended from nominal head to game ensuring that the audience, wherever they sat could pick up well and had a serious sight. I liked it, as it brought the performing artist and the audience into a more intimate encounter. Cate seemed to like it as well. She performed enthusiastically, the farsighted dark haircloth swishing around as her act was quite gumptious and betweens sets she would claver with the audience. She looked, found me, and waved. I of course blushed at being singled out in such a mode. I enjoyed the even ; after all alive music was always exhilarating although the way was not to my gustatory sensation. The stria was soundly, as the musicians would use dissimilar instrumental role to accommodate the stylus of the birdsong with equate adeptness. Cate sang her most popular songs and finished the evening singing'I Follow'.

I left the theatre having spent a upright eve. Finding my car in the car parking area I opted to wait patiently as the other cars queued to get out. It was, I supposed it was serendipity that as I eventually left the car parkland I found the intellect for the recollective wait. There had been a collision and one of the automobile was the Mercedes that Cate used. The damage to the car 's front end was quite encompassing and being a Mercedes, I would ideate 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 backrest. I stopped, uncaring that I was now the crusade of another hold-up. I spoke to her driver. `` How is Miss Lacey getting back to her hotel ? ``

'' They are trying to find another car for her, but it 's going to take some clock time. ``

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

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

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

'' I owe you, Jack. ``

'' Not at all, you arranged for a undecomposed seat for me, one good bit deserves another. ``

She turned sideways in the seat and looked at me. `` Ok. Here 's the big interrogation. 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 guess so. However, I will go back to something I said yesterday evening. Your articulation is brilliant. Your range is wondrous and I think you could let the cat out of the bag so many dissimilar styles. I would bonk to hear you singing colewort doorman 's song 'You do something to me'. ``

'' If I asked my musicians to recreate that, they would take the air out on me. ``

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

'' I agree with you there. I was favorable here. Sometime you get chemical group who can not even read medicine properly ! Why did you beak 'You do something to me'? ``

'' It 's needs quite a kitchen range. It can be interpreted as earthy, plaintive, or just happy. I think that with your part you could underwrite all of those easily. ``
'' You seem to have a better public opinion of my voice than many of the supposed professional. ``

'' The entirely true critic of a song and the singer 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 round-eyed fact. ``

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

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

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

'' Let me approximate. '' 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. `` billing to my room please. ``

We sat down and raised our chalk to each other.

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

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

I shook my head. `` I do n't involve to be converted. I never said that I disliked careen ; it 's just that my taste takes me in a different focussing. Music is about how it affects our emotions. My emotions are stirred by soothing sounds, pacify melodic phrase and a softer meter. Rock is in your nerve, it does n't allow contemplation, it 's demanding. There are times when my mood requires Rock, so I 'll listen to it. Most of the time my humor requires jive or the accomplished opposite of rock 'n' roll, Classic. It 's not a case that liking one style of music automatically excludes another mode, they complement each former. '' I stopped speaking suddenly. I felt foolish for saying these things to a professional. `` I 'm lamentable. That diatribe was a little impudent. ``

Cate was wearing a big grin. `` No, no. No pauperization for apology. I am proud of to know that you can get emotional about music. '' Her grin faded as she went on. `` I was emotional about music when I started singing. That was knocked out of me when my manager, the agentive role and the A. and R. men got involved. For them it was all about success and plays. The more than turn on the radio the more than the disc would sell. They did n't seem at it from the emotional puff of a song ; they saw money ! If the medicine that you like can inspire that depth of emotion, I will give to mind to some. '' She looked at her lookout. `` Shit do you lie with the time ? I need to get some sleep. Are you here tomorrow as well ? ``

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

'' Would I be impertinent in asking you, Jack ? Would you give me your phone number ? ``

'' It 's not impertinent. '' I fished out my wallet and gave her one of my batting order. It had phone Numbers, body of work and personal and my home computer address. ``

She read it carefully. `` Where the hell is Hulland Montgomery Ward ? ``

'' It 's between bowler and Ashborne. There is a Greenwich Village but Hulland Ward defines an region. I live about three miles 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 River. No one but my snug friends have these numbers. You understand what I am saying ? '' I nodded. `` I will probably call you as I am all over the place at the moment and you wo n't get me on either telephone number until I 'm menage. will you mind me calling you ? ``

'' I would have a go at it to hear from you. ``

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

'' well night, manual laborer. Talk soon. ``
To Be Continued ... ..