West Enders

[What the Dickens!]

The rain was incessant and it ran down the slope of the Wirksworth Market place car park in sheets. A slim dark figure emerged from his car and scurried through the torrents heading for the side door to the Hope and Anchor attempting to protect his head with a battered copy of Community Fayre.

Inside the salon bar the fire glowed and there was a hum of conversation. He approached the bar, threw a £20 pound note on the counter and ordered a large scotch. "Neat", he added. His jacket smelled damp and his trouser bottoms were splattered with mud stains. the barman looked sheepish 'Sorry we don't accept Scottish Twenty pound notes - too many forgeries you know - there's a sign by the bar - can't you see?'

A look of rage entered the damp man's eys and he pulled himself up to his full height and and leant across the bar. 'Are you saying my money is not real!'

The barman quivered

.......................................... (Please feel free to continue this story in a new message)

[Stella]

How does one continue the story....should there be an 'edit' button?

[Elliott Jorge]

(I will start a new message I think Stella)

The barman looked over his shoulder seeking the support of the landlord but he was nowhere to be seen. He felt the thud of another head meet his - 'so that's a head butting' he remembered thinking just before he slumped to the floor.

A slight female figure approached the bar with poise and confidence and with a silent judo throw she had floored the aggressive customer.


(anyone else????)

[Stella]

The barman looked over his shoulder seeking the support of the landlord but he was nowhere to be seen. He felt the thud of another head meet his - 'so that's a head butting' he remembered thinking just before he slumped to the floor.

A slight female figure approached the bar with poise and confidence and with a silent judo throw she had floored the aggressive customer. She picked up his wet copy of Community Fayre and handed it to the barman. "Here", she said, "it's not suitable for the recycling bag. Throw it away. And.. I'll have a gin and tonic. Thanks."

There was a hush in the bar. None of the regulars had ever before witnessed a woman with such physical strength, such audacity. Given a few moments to reflect, the questions erupted. "Who is she?" "Has anyone seen her in Wirksworth before?" "Could she be the woman who has been missing for a while?" "It couldn't be Lynne C Doyle...could it?"

Just then, a man stormed in through the door.....

[Watt the Dickens]

Just then, a man stormed in through the door.....

< Does anyone own a Black Shogun truck? - If so can you move I want to go home - I've get to get in training for the Incline Race>


The body on the floor raised itself up and limper towards the door fumbling with a set of car keys.

Meantime the barman turned to the woman who had demonstrated her judo skills to such good effect and offered her a drink on the house.

<You certainly pack a mean punch - where did you learn that?> She accepted the white wine sprtizer with grace but avoided the question and instead sighed and just smiled.

[Stella]

Suddenly, a woman got up from a group she had been sitting with in the corner of the bar. Hesitatingly, she approached the bar and introduced herself to the stranger. "Hi, I am Stephanie. Stephanie Brooks. My friends over there wondered if you would like to join us? We've been very impressed. How about it?"

The stranger looked at her........

[jacob]

How does one continue the story....should there be an 'edit' button?
You could set up a shared user-name and password, then anyone who knew them could sign on with them and edit the posts.
You could make them public, or keep them private amongst your selected group.
Hmm, on the other hand - what would happen if 2 or more signed and and started editing at the same time? Only one way to find out!

cheers
Jacob

[Stella]

The stranger looked at her in disgust. "Do you really think I'd want to sit with those dreadful people? Just do me a favour; let me have my drink in peace. The sooner I'm out of this godforsaken place the better!"

Not knowing how to respond, Stephanie was at a loss for words. She slowly sauntered back to her friends. Her cheeks were red and she tried hard to stop the tears coming to her eyes. No sooner had she sat down when a loud bang erupted from behind the bar.....

[Watt the Dickens]

...............and this was followed by a cloud of dust. 'Eh up - there's smokin' ban in place since last yer' shouted a way from the next door bar. 'Trust a man to make a joke at a time like this shouted Stephanie 'This is serious - c'om what ever ye name is -- you may be too good to sit with my friends but your not too good to get in here and help - there's two unconscious back there.........................................

[Unregistered]

'This is serious - c'om what ever ye name is -- you may be too good to sit with my friends but your not too good to get in here and help - there's two unconscious back there!" But the stranger was no longer there. The only trace of her was the empty glass on the bar.

No one came forward to help. Indeed, it appeared that none of the others in the bar had even heard the noise and were carrying on drinking and talking to one another. Stephanie became very agitated. She wondered if she had imagined it all, but there they were - two unconscious figures lying on the floor. Even the barman seemed as if..................

[Stella]

Even the barman seemed as if nothing had happened. Suddenly the door opened and in returned the mystery woman accompanied by two policemen. The taller of the two men addressed Stephnie. "Hello, hello, hello", he said. "This ere female - who is not from these ere parts - has just reported a bomb scare. Is this true or false?"

"Hello, hello, hello" said the second policeman looking down at the two unconscious figures. "What have we got here? Been overdoing it, havethey?"

Stephnie was almost at breaking point. "She's just told you there's been a bomb scare - they're not drunk, they've been hit. What they need is an ambulance! What is the matter with everyone?"

[Erica Boulton]

What is the matter with everyone?"...........

The first policeman took out a handkerchief from his pocket and blew his noise. The second policeman removed his helmet and scratched his head. "Looks as if there's been some foul play here. I reckon this needs some serious investigation."

"Too bloody right!", shouted Stephanie. She turned to the woman stranger. "Looks as if you are the only bloody sane person around here. Thanks for calling the police. Er..m I'm sorry we got on to a bad start." She held out her hand as if to.........

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Erica Boulton;73]What is the matter with everyone?"...........

The first policeman took out a handkerchief from his pocket and blew his noise. The second policeman removed his helmet and scratched his head. "Looks as if there's been some foul play here. I reckon this needs some serious investigation."

"Too bloody right!", shouted Stephanie. She turned to the woman stranger. "Looks as if you are the only bloody sane person around here. Thanks for calling the police. Er..m I'm sorry we got on to a bad start." She held out her hand as if to show a gesture of goodwill, but there was no response. "Don't thank me, it was just part of my duty as an STSO - Small Town Safety Officer."

Of course, thought Stephanie, this explains it all. Now she understood why the woman had been so skilled at self-defence and why her manner was so abrupt. "I like the sound of that. What kind of training do you need to have to become an STSO, Tallulah?", Stephanie asked, having suddenly noted the woman's small name badge on her lapel. Talllulah frowned. "Less of this first name business. If you want to address me you call me STSO Banks. OK? I'm on my way to....................................

[Wayne Dwopp]

OK? I'm on my way to.. ". She couldn't finish what she was going to say because there were sounds of music coming from a nearby table. They were a group of young people - one of them, struming a guitar. "I'm on my way to Amarillo....everynight, I cry in my pillow...show me the way to Armarillo...." they sang getting louder and louder. No sooner had they reached the first verse, then others joined in until eventually the whole bar was singing.

Steph giggled, but STSO was not amused. "I've never heard such a......"

[Unregistered]

"I've never heard such a racket. They are all stark staring mad. What kind of town is this?".

Meanwhile the two bodies lying on the floor began to show signs of life. One was groaning heavily, the other whimpered "Mmm. Mmm".

"Thank goodness!" shouted Stephanie. She went to the door and looked out. "No sign of that ambulance yet. Can't you do something?", she asked the first policeman.

"Out of our control", he replied. "What you need to do is to..........................

[Wayne Dwopp]

"What you need to do is to resusitate them yourself. Get down and start blowing into their mouths. Not at the same time, but one after the other. Just pray they haven't been eating onions. OK?"

Steph was shocked. "No, it isn't OK." She didn't like the idea at all. Just then.....

[Stella]

Steph was shocked. "No, it isn't OK." She didn't like the idea at all. Just then the sounds of an ambulance bell could be heard. The barman said, "Looks as if you've been saved from having to blow down the mouths of these geezers. I wouldn't have done it." :eek:

The ambulance men quickly placed the two figures on to stretchers and left. Stephanie returned to her friends in the corner. "I think you deserve a drink, Steph. What will it be? Vodka and coke? Or......

[James Ogilvy]

lemon and lime?" offered Nick. "And...your favourites, salted peanuts, yes?" Steph's face lit up. "Ta," she answered. "I'll have a vodka and coke and yes, peanuts."

There were several mysteries still to be solved, but nobody had come up with any answers. They had to admit, it wasn't the same old regular pub get-together when they usually spent half the time moaning about their football teams or their bosses. No, tonight had been far more interesting and they had enjoyed interrupting that snotty female whocalled herself an STSO.

But what had actually happened? One theory was that............................

[James Ogilvy]

But what had actually happened? One theory was that the explosion was due to a lot of hot air the previous night debating Wirksworth's car parking - or lack of it. Another, that the tea urn had blown a fuse and lastly - and probably more likely - he boiler in the kitchen had blown up. But, which of these was it? Or, could it have been something completely different...

[Stella]

Or, could it have been something completely different... Meanwhile, the dust began to escape into the bar causing chaos. One man who suffered with asthma had to get his inhaler out of his pocket. Two women were holding handkerchiefs to their faces. The barman began to look anxious. Two of his regulars were struggling to get out of the door.
What could he do?

[James Ogilvy]

But his conscience told him that if he ran away his takings that night would be severely damaged. There were still customers to be served. Could he really afford to turn customers away. And, what if they didn't return. Running away was not the solution. No, he had to think of something else...but what?

[James Ogilvy]

The coughing and spluttering got worse. "Open a bloody window!", someone cried. "Shut the door!", somebody else responded.

Frank, the barman

[Stella]

was at his wit's end. Could this be the end of the Hope & Anchor? He dreaded the thought. If only the landlord would appear, but he and his family were on holiday somewhere in Greece. "It would have to happen while they were away...swanning it away on a mediterranean island.." he muttered to himself.

Suddenly, Steph Brookes took charge and began to shout..."Right... everybody out! We'll clear up and come back in half an hour. Free round on your return!"

Frank didn't know whether to feel relieved or not. He..........

[Stella]

started to add up what it would cost the pub if everybody had a free round as Stephanie had suggested. On the one hand it was a solution to the problem but then on the other it could turn out to be a financially foolish move. There was no doubt the dust was getting worse.
Just as he was about to make a decision....

ps. could someone else continue this story PLEASE!!

[James Ogilvy]

another bang erupted from kitchen. Eh up, said Ken downing his third pint that evening. "What yer need is a plumber... Anyone in here a plumber?"

[Erica Boulton]

There was no response. Ken shouted again, 'anyone here a plumber?' Old Nick looked up. 'If there is a plumber here...he'll be too bloody drunk to do much'. He snorted into his beer mug.

After whispering to her mate sitting next to her, Steph got up. "There's a plumber here and she is stone cold sober. Only drinks lemonade. Come on Daisy, show them what you can do!"

Daisy got up and entered the kitchen. Within minutes she returned and announced in a loud voice. "I haven't got my tools with me...but I'll be back in a minute. Have it fixed before closing time." Steph and her mates cheered and clapped. The men in the bar looked.....

[James Ogilvy]

on and snorted. What could a woman with the name of Daisy do to fix the problem. They nudged each other and laughed. Some started making crude jokes .... unmentionable here. One man began singing....Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do, you're half crazy, even with a tool or two.
Ten minutes passed and Daisy returned with her toolbag. She was dressed in navy overalls and had her hair tied back with a ribbon. Steph looked proud of her and gave her..................

[Tia Dwopps]

a thumbs up. Go for it, Daisy. Show em what you are made of! So Daisy went off into the kitchen. All in the bar could hear the sounds of a hammer, then a whirring sound, several pops and eventually a long drone. Daisy danced back into the Bar. Almost done, she said. Give it another ten minutes and then everything will be back to......

(Just got to say that I didn;t really write this. My best friend wrote it and asked me to send it. She is even more shy than me.)

[Wayne Dwopp]

[quote=Tia Dwopps;339]a thumbs up. Go for it, Daisy. Show em what you are made of! So Daisy went off into the kitchen. All in the bar could hear the sounds of a hammer, then a whirring sound, several pops and eventually a long drone. Daisy danced back into the Bar. Almost done, she said. Give it another ten minutes and then everything will be back to......

...normal. She went back into the kitchen. Ten minutes passed. Daisy shouted "just five more minutes...are you all counting. Five, four, three, two, one....now!! Daisy returned to the bar, wiping her hands on her overalls. "Done! Burst pipe all mended!

Steph and her mates began to....

[Stella]

whistle and cheer. "Hip hip hooray", one of them shouted. Another, who had recently joined a local choir began to sing... "Daisy, Daisy you are a plumber true, We'd all be crazy if we didn't call you!"
Ken looked peeved and sulked in the corner. Frank stood behind the bar slightly.....

[James Ogilvy]

but reluctantly impressed. Daisy had been in the bar before and he couldn't say why, but he'd thought about treating her to a lemonade out of his own pocket. He didn't make a habit of that. She wasn't exactly the sexiest bird he had ever seen, but there was something...

Ken picked up his jacket and stormed out of the door muttering to himself. Old Nick's head slumped on the table.

The dust in the bar started to.....

[Stella]

The dust in the bar started to clear. People stopped coughing and put their handkerchiefs or tissues back in their pockets. A few other men followed Ken out of the bar. Old Nick was well away. Someone sitting nearby finished his drink for him.

Meanwhile, Daisy back with Steph and the other women were becoming merrier. They started singing "Sisters are doing it for themselves" - much to the annoyance of the men in the bar. Daisy's cheeks were glowing and with her hair tied back in a ribbon she looked quite sophisticated. Well, almost. She was still wearing her dungarees.

Frank was struggling to keep his eyes off her. Customers waiting to be served were getting....

[Erica Boulton]

impatient. "What's the matter with you tonight, Frank?" one of them asked. Frank knew he had to get a grip with his job. Never before had he been affected like this. He had to go and speak to Daisy, but he didn't know what he would say. Of course, he could just say "thanks" but he knew that wouldn't go down well with the men in the bar.
"Watch it Frank, you're letting the bloody beer run over the top! What the hell is the matter with you?" Frank got a cloth and wiped the bar down. "Sorry", he muttered.
Just then, Daisy came up to the bar and......

[James Ogilvy]

... ordered a large scotch. "With water, ginger or neat?", Frank asked, trying hard to steady his hands. "Neat", replied Daisy. "I'm surprised. Thought you only drank lemonade, Daisy", Frank said as he handed the glass over to her. Just saying her name was a pleasure.
"Oh, it's not for me. It's for my boyfriend. He's just walked in."
Frank looked over at the door. He didn't like what he saw. The chap was a good 12 inches taller than Frank, had a good head of hair and wore a gold ear-ring. What most women would find handsome, Frank thought to himself as he drew in his tummy muscles. Ah well, he decided, there's only one thing to do and that's.....

[Writer]

get on with serving the other punters. Daisy paid for the drink and went over to her b/f who was sitting alongside her mates, looking somewhat uncomfortable. He wasn't sure, but he felt that they had gone very quiet and there seemed to be a lot of whispering going on. It was cheering having Daisy sitting up close to him. The scotch tasted good. "Thanks for this, babe", he said. "Just what the doctor ordered. I've had one hell of a day".
Daisy detected another of his elaborate stories was on its way and she wondered if she really could be bothered listening. For some reason she wished he hadn't come and that she was still sitting with her mates.
On and on he droned....

[Writer]

"so after criticising him, he got mad with me....she said she didn't want to work here any more...and of course, as I said all along....". Daisy felt like screaming. She gently stroked his knee, hoping he would remember who she was and why they were together.
Suddenly she was aware that her mates were having a giggle over something. She would have loved to have been in on it. They kept on glancing at the barman. Was it to do with him, she wondered....

[James Ogilvy]

We are approaching the end of page 4. What happens if the story isn't finished... do we open another thread as West Enders part II, or does the administration do it for us?

It surprises me that the storytellers have continued so consecutively. There are very few slip-ups, so far as I can see although I confess I haven't read it from the beginning. Perhaps I should.

[Wayne Dwopp]

They kept on glancing at the barman. Was it to do with him, she wondered.

It was ten-thirty. In the old days it would have been closing time. A dozen or more people had walked in the bar - obviously they'd been to a meeting of some sort because they were all carrying papers with the same letterhead - could be the from one of the many groups in Wirksworth.

Frank groaned inwardly... he'd had enough for one night what with the argument between that Tallulah woman and Stephanie, the explosion in the kitchen, the two unconscious bodies, the police and ambulance men and... Daisy. He'd always imagined Wirksworth to be a quiet little market town, but...

[Stella]

not tonight. Daisy.. However hard he tried to avoid looking at her, somehow his eyes were always drawn in her direction. The radiance she had shown immediately after she'd emerged from repairing the damage in the kitchen seemed to have disappeared. And why did she keep on looking over at her mates? Had she and her b/f had a row?

"Do I have to say it again? Four bitters, one light ale, two double scotch and a double g and t, please", he heard a customer order. "Yes, right away", he quickly replied. "Get a grip", Frank he said to himself. After they had paid, he wiped the bar top and...

[Erica Boulton]

After they had paid, he wiped the bar top and collected some of the used glasses to put them in the dishwasher. He checked there were enough for the rest of the night. He decided he's better switch the dishwasher on otherwise there was a risk he'd run out.

After collecting some empties from the table, he went into the kitchen and stocked up the dishwasher, then switched on the machine. Meanwhile, more customers were standing at the bar waiting to be served. "What you need Frank, is a bloody assistant. How can your boss leave you to run the place alone? Bloody nerve!"

Daisy overheard the complaints, looked at Frank's anxious face and made a decision. Anything to get away from this man she was supposed to love. "Dya want some help over there?", she....

[Emjay]

asked. Frank glanced up and saw it was Daisy who had spoken. Utter elation filled his heart. At last, the chance to spend some time with this divine creature in a slightly cramped environment.

"No need for you to worry yourself missy" said a man who had been sitting with his whippet close to the bar. "I have experience in the bar trade. There is nobody better equipped than me to sort out Frank, so to speak. Park youself lady - the dog and me will get behind the bar".

Frank looked up. The whippet seemed to have a glint in his eye and the bloke looked like the cat who'd got the cream. There was more to this offer of help than met the eye, Frank could tell. Was this bloke after his job? Frank looked from the man to Daisy and back again. He had to think fast.......

[James Ogilvy]

"Surely it is against the Health & Safety regulations to have a dog behind the bar?", Daisy asked. "Yeah", agreed Frank. "You're damned lucky I let you in the pub with your dog...but behind the bar, forget it!"

Daisy gave Frank a wink and deftly dived in before the man could say anything. She turned her back on him and asked Frank what he wanted her to do. All Frank wanted was to give her a thankful hug and...keep her in his arms for a lot longer. The man moved back to his seat. "Whew", said Frank softly to Daisy. "You got me out of that one...thanks. Have you ever pulled a pint?"

"What kind of plumber do you think I am?", she smiled teasingly. "No. But I learn pretty quick." For the first time, Daisy suddenly noticed his eyes were a beautiful shade of....

[Writer]

brown, almost a golden brown and the lashes above them were long, thick and curly. The revelation made her feel guilty and she quickly looked over to where her b/f was sitting. He was no longer there. His seat was empty. Daisy looked around to see if he was anywhere else in the bar, but there was no sight of him. Instead of feeling anxious, she strangely felt very relaxed.

Meanwhile, Frank was showing her how to pull a pint. "Your turn now, Daisy. Let's see what you can do." Placing his hand gently on hers, he experienced a....

[Stella]

sensation so exquisite that he had to lean on the bar to steady himself. "Is this right..am I doing it right?", Daisy asked.

Before he could reply, the bar door opened and in walked the Mayor of Wirksworth accompanied by a small group of town councillors. "Oo er", murmured Daisy. "I don't think I'd like to pull a pint for this lot." "Don't worry", said Frank. "Most of them are teetollers and probably ask for things like bitter lemon or tomato juice. Just pour it from the bottle. If anyone wants a pint, I'll take the order. OK?"

Daisy managed to serve the dignitaries. One of them even said to her, "Here, have one yourself, duck", which she thought was rather....

[James Ogilvy]

generous, considering she had only just started her employment behind the bar. The councillor wasn't to know this, of course, so happily Daisy pocketed the tip. Frank had witnessed the scene and gave Daisy a wink. "You see, you are already learning the ropes!" He really wanted to hug Daisy, but instead gave her a congratulatory pat on her shoulder.

"So, what do you think?", the Mayor asked the councillor standing next to him. "Do you reckon there will be much of a turn out for the..........

[Writer]

open meeting on Monday?" "Well, we've got a few important items on the agenda -car parking is always a draw - it's up to them." They became engrossed and carrying their drinks with them, they found a table and sat down.

The bar was slowly emptying. Frank knew he had to get collecting the empties, but couldn't bring himself to leave Daisy's side. His stock of glasses were running down and the bar shelves were looking distinctly empty. There was nothing for it...he'd have to collect some, if not all, that were left on the tables. Reluctantly, he left Daisy behind the bar.

Carrying a large tray stacked with empties, Frank was just about to lay them on the bar top, when he was struck a blow to the head. He fell to the floor, the shattered glasses showering on top of him. His face was covered in blood. With one eye he just about managed to catch sight of his attacker. Daisy's boyfriend!! Frank....

[Emjay]

began to see stars. As he drifted in and out of conciousness he thought he heard the yell of a banshee coming from behind the bar. He tried to focus and saw a metallic glint flash before his eyes. Was that the Mayor's chains? As he eventually passed out he had a vague idea that he had seen a piece of copper piping flying high above his head.......

[James Ogilvy]

Daisy was alarmed. "Steph!", she shouted, "Call an ambulance, quick!". Then she glared at b/f. "What the dickens did you do that for? Get out and stay out. I never want to see you again! Steph, have you got through?".

As she dialled the number, Steph realised it would be the second call they had made that night to the ambulance service. What if they wouldn't come out again? She was trembling....

[Stella]

all over. "Am..bulance please...", she stuttered, "Yes, please. Erm..a pub in Wirksworth. Yes, I know you need the name. Er..the Hope..and Anchor". Steph anxiously shut her eyes tight, hoping she wouldn't have to go into any explanation. "You will? Oh thank you, thank you". The relief was enormous.

Daisy was kneeling beside Frank, but she looked up at Steph as she heard the receiver replaced on the phone. "Any luck? Will they come?". She beamed in response to Steph's thumbs...

[Erica Boulton]

up.

B/f was still hovering. "Why don't you go?", asked Daisy. "You don't really mean it, Daisy. We are a couple. You can't just break us up like that. Look, I know I shouldn't have hit him, but I could see he was fancying you and when you left me to go and work with him, I really thought you had a thing for him too. Oh look, Daisy. This is madness. Do you really want to break up...just like that?"

Strangely enough, all this appealing from him made her feel more and more cold towards him. How she had managed to stay with him for so long, she couldn't understand. But now...she felt such a sense of relief, such freedom. "Yes, I do", she replied. "Now just go. The ambulance will be here soon and I'm going to the hospital with Frank". Realising Daisy was determined, b/f left the pub.

"Good riddance!", said Steph. "Don't know how you put up with such a bore for so long. I wish they'd hurry up. Where are they?"

By now, it was almost midnight. Most of the bar had emptied. Two of the Town Councillors had left and there were just three still sitting at the table. There was clearly an argument going on between them. One stood up, and came to the counter and asked for a round of drinks. Daisy did her best to serve them, but she struggled with the pump. "Ere, let me help you", offered the customer. He was the Mayor - a friendly man with a good sense of...

[Emjay]

rhythm which was evident from the way he tapped his fingers on the bar. One of his council colleagues began to blow an accompanying tune over the top of a empty bottle of Magners. The third became a human beatbox. Steph began to tap her feet in time. Daisy pulled pints to the rhythm. A surreal sense of calm enveloped them all. Until a noise from the floor startled them.

Frank groaned and tried to rear up. "Whass this?" he slurred. "An impromptu gig and me lying here dying with no valid entertainment licence?"

Daisy's heart skipped a beat. Frank! He was waking up!

The sound of sirens filled the air...........

[Writer]

The Mayor looked alarmed. "What the heck do they think they are doing? Don't they know they are not supposed to be using their sirens at night...especially at bloody midnight. They'll wake the whole bloody town up. Quick, give me my mobile".

Poor man he was clearly agitated, but to Daisy the siren was music to her ears. She went over to Frank. "Don't worry your head about a licence. Just keep it still. We'll have you sorted out in no time."

Before she could finish explaining, the pub door slung opened and two of the biggest...

[Erica Boulton]

two of the biggest, most threatening...

[James Ogilvy]

pair of eyes looked in. They belonged to the same two policemen who had called earlier that same night. "Hello, hello, hello. Been at it again, have we? Well, this time we'll deal with the landlord. We've called him back from his holiday."

Frank, still on the floor, lay back his head and gave a loud groan. Not only was he in dire pain, but now he was to lose his job too. How much bad luck could a man have?

Steph walked up and stood squarely in front of the policemen. "What the dickens do you think you are playing at? You've ruined a family holiday...what good will that do?"
Before they could answer, the ambulance service....

[Stella]

arrived. Daisy greeted them with...

[Erica Boulton]

a hop, skip and a jump. "Oh thank you for coming. He's there," pointing to Frank on the floor, "but I think he is slowly coming round. It's the broken glass I'm really worried about." One of the medics replied, "Let's have a look at him and we'll see what needs to be done".

As Daisy had cleverly anticipated, the two policemen were forced to stand aside. The Mayor of Wirksworth went over to speak to them. "I witnessed the scene and I can verify that it was an accident. It is most unfortunate you have called the landlord back. Can't you contact him again before they leave Greece?", he asked.

Steph overhearing the conversation, felt compelled to go over and give the Mayor a big hug and a kiss. He really deserved his place on the Town Council. Instead, she restrained herself and....

[Writer]

went over to Daisy and the medics to find out whether or not Frank needed to go hospital. "How is he?", she asked to no one in particular. "He'll be OK. He just needs to recover from shock. They have checked there are no cuts from the broken glass. So, I reckon he'll be OK", Daisy replied...

[James Ogilvy]

optimistically. But deep down she was very concerned. Even if Frank recovers, the risk of him losing his job because of her treatment to her ex b/f made her feel responsible. If only....

By now, the flames in the grand old fireplace had died down. The pub was looking tired and so were the last few customers in the bar. Only the Mayor was left of the group of councillors and he was still trying to plead with the police to call off the cancellation of the landlord's holiday.

The colour in Frank's cheeks were slowly returning and he was sitting upright. He stroked his...

[Stella]

forehead. The pain was beginning to ease, but he still felt groggy. "Here", said the ambulance man, "see if you can manoeuvre yourself on to this seat. Gently now, easy does it...take it slowly...there! Well done!" Daisy had been anxiously watching the scene and marvelled at the gentleness of the medic. She sat down next to Frank and put her arm around his shoulder. "I don't think you'll be going to hospital. You are going to be OK."

Steph, meanwhile was keeping her eyes on the Mayor and the police. She couldn't tell from their body language how things were progressing, but she...

[Writer]

wondered what the dickens they were talking about. She had little hope that the landlord and his family would be persuaded to stay on in Greece. Even if the police tells him that it was all a mistake, his suspicions would be aroused. And, in any case, their holiday has been spoilt. Of course, the weather there may be the same here, in which case they hadn't much to lose.

Steph's reverie was disturbed by the sound of a long groan coming from Frank. His body had slumped to the floor in what seemed to be a faint, but...

[James Ogilvy]

he looked dreadful. She feared he may have done more than just pass out. The medics acted quickly. They Frank on to a stretcher, shoved a mask on his face and before anyone could say jack robinson they departed.

There was a stunned silence. Daisy was shivering so much she couldn't hold the glass of brandy that had been handed to her by the Mayor who had just said bid goodbye to the policemen. "Here, I'll hold it...and you just take a sip. There's a good girl...slowly now. You'll find it will calm you down soon."

But Daisy was concerned that noone had gone in the ambulance with Frank. What would happen when he woke up...nobody there by his..

[Erica Boulton]

bedside when he woke up. She had to follow him...but which hospital? Would it be Derby Royal Infirmary or Derby City? Or indeed, might he have been taken to Chesterfield? Instead of sipping the brandy, she took a gulp. "Now, now, Daisy love. Take it easy. We don't want you getting tipsy, do we?", said the kindly Mayor.

Meanwhile, Steph's concern was concentrated on the outcome of the Mayor's conversation with the policemen. Were they going to cancel the landlord's return? Had the landlord already left for the airport? When would they be back? She felt she couldn't interrupt the Mayor's attention to Daisy, but she badly needed answers to her questions. She......

[Emjay]

sat on the nearest barstool, furrowed her brow and pondered how best to get the information she wanted.

Just then, the door slung open - again! Daisy's boyfriend entered the pub with force in a state of panic.

"Who was in the ambulance? Not Daisy? Please tell me it wasn't her!" Steph looked up and groaned. "What have you come back for?" she asked nastily.

"I've been sitting in that lovely french place across the road and I saw the ambulance leave with it's lights flashing. I was so scared that Daisy was in it." Boyfriend rushed over to Daisy and sideswiped the Mayor so that he could sit next to her. "Daisy, there is something I have to tell you."

Daisy looked at him through tear-filled puffy eyes. He was the last person she wanted to see. And what on earth could he want to tell her that was so important.

"I'm not who you think I am Daisy." he said. "I know you think I'm boring but I'm not - I'm an undercover copper! I've been working for the local police force, looking into fraudulent festival artwork. Part of my role was to infiltrate the local community and get inside their friendship circles. That's where you came along. I didn't look so sad trying to muscle in on other people's friendships with a girlfriend in tow! Anyway, I'm really close to finding out who has been hanging knock-off paintings in the local pub toilets but with everything that has happened tonight the whole operation has gone a bit pear-shaped Gov, er I mean Daisy. I need your assurance that you will remain by my side for another couple of days to keep up the pretence. I can't do it alone - I will look like a complete loser! And besides, I actually quite.....what I mean is I think I'm........well, I think you're a bit of alright, as birds go like! Oh, the name's Nick by the way."

Daisy had listened to all he had said. She looked at this man who had been boring her half to death for some time. The Mayor and Steph had been listening too and were waiting with baited breath to see what Daisy would do.

[Writer]

"So, you are not Michael Rawcliffe, then?", she asked. "For months, I have been calling you Michael...even in our intimate moments?" The last five words were almost whispered. "That's right", Nick replied. "I am sorry, Daisy. Really, I am".

Daisy looked in shock. She was just beginning to feel the benefit of the brandy she had drunk, but this revelation made her reach out for another glass. "Ccan, I have some mmmore?", she asked the Mayor. The Mayor poured another drop into the glass, just sufficient to cover the bottom. Daisy took a sip.

The phone began to ring. Steph dived behind the counter to answer it. "Yes, yes this is the Hope & Anchor. Derby Royal? Yes. Yes. Oh no...no! It can't be! Yes, I'll pass the message on. Thanks. Thanks for letting us know."

Daisy rushed over to her. "Steph, was that the hospital? Is it Frank?" Nick instructed Daisy to sit down and

[Stella]

ordered the Mayor to control her hysterics while he talked to Steph. He needed to know exactly what the hospital had reported. As he was the one to strike Frank in the first place, he could well be in a spot of trouble. Trying to appear calm, he enquired from Steph just what the hospital had reported.

"Aha, you may well ask. The poor man is in intensive care. Suffered a brain injury, due to a blow on the head. If he dies...you are a wanted man", Steph replied, trying hard to control her anger. "How are you going to get out of this one, I'd like to know. You make me sick".

She removed herself from Nick and went over to console Daisy. Even brandy couldn't help...she was clearly distressed. "Shall I drive you over?", Steph asked. The Mayor intervened. "You've been drinking tonight. You cannot drive. I'll tell you what we'll do, we'll call a....

[Erica Boulton]

He was abruptly interrupted by Nick who said he would call for a police car, and had already begun dialling in a number on his mobile phone. "Hi, its Nick - 084327. Yeah. Need a car..quick. Hope & Anchor, Wirksworth. No, not the Lime Kiln. The Hope & Anchor on the Market Place. Oh, for goodness sake. Get on with it. Yeah. Urgent. Who? But I don't want to speak to him. Yeah, I know. I've checked the toilets here. No pictures in either Ladies or Gents. Will you for .... sake, get a car here. It's an emergency. Yeah, the Hope & Anchor! Derby Royal, yeah."

Steph smirked as she listened to the one-way conversation. It gave her no confidence in the police force. They would have been much better calling for a taxi, which she suspected the Mayor had intended. "So, when you do you reckon someone will get here", she asked sarcastically. Nick ignored her and ordered the few last customers out of the pub. Taking a massive bunch of keys out of his pocket, he said, "We'll lock up and wait...

[Wayne Dwopp]

outside until the car arrives. What are you going to do, Mayor?"

Steph was furious. "What the dickens do you mean? Who do you think you are? Daisy, the Mayor and I are leaving in the car and you can just wait hear until the landlord appears. If he doesn't, then you can go home until you are arrested for murder!"

Nick ignored her and ushered them out of the pub, making sure the takings were locked up and turning all the lights off. The rain was still pouring down and it had turned cold. Far too cold for July. He locked the doors of the Hope & Anchor and they all waited outside the door of St John Street.

Daisy was still distressed. Steph's last words were grimly echoing in her ears and she...

[Emjay]

closed her eyes against the image of Frank that those words conjured up. Poor, poor Frank. Such a kind soul. Such a gentle soul. She opened her eyes suddenly, and looked at Nick who was evidently a complete A*** soul.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to Daisy. She tried to make sense of her confusion but found herself questioning why Nick had such a large bunch of keys in his pocket and why the keys to the Hope and Anchor were amongst them.

Daisy had a strong feeling that there was more going on with PC Nick than met the eye. Her plumber's intuition told her that Nick was a bit of a leaky tap and in need of a new washer.

Emotion washed over Daisy. It had been a very long night and events had taken such dramatic turns that she was beginning to feel quite faint. Also, she had a strange feeling that someone was watching her. Daisy looked around the assembled group - Steph, the Mayor and Nick were looking down the road towards "Bottom Ken's", keeping a look out for the Police car. Daisy looked across the road and realised a man was sitting in the window of Le Mistral staring directly at her. She thought he looked vaguely familiar but the way he was staring at her was extremly unnerving.

Steph had spotted him too.

[Stella]

Steph had spotted him too. At first she rubbed her eyes in disbelief, but then she glanced over at Daisy and realised she had seen him too. Steph gestured to Daisy by putting a finger to her mouth. "Don't say a word". Daisy nodded.

Steph cleared her throat. "While we are waiting why don't we pop over to Le Mistral and have a cup of coffee?" and before anyone else could answer she grabbed hold of Daisy's arm and they quickly crossed the road together. "What the dickens is going on?", asked Daisy. "Can it really be Frank, sitting there on his own? But he left on a stretcher? We saw it with our own eyes!"

"There's a lot going on here that needs a great deal of explanation", replied Steph. "And, what's more we are going to get it...right now!" They both dived into the restaurant and.....

[Tia Dwopps]

This story is getting so exciting...better than any soap on telly. My mum, Wayne and I read it every day. We can't wait for next episode....

[Writer]

They both dived into the restaurant (taking in the tempting aroma emanating from what looked like a busy kitchen even though it was approaching midnight) and grabbed two empty seats at the nearest table to the one occupied by the man who had been looking at them from the window. Steph took command....

[Erica Boulton]

of the situation. "First, we order coffee - how do you like yours?" "Cappucchino, please," replied Daisy, wondering if she was in a dream and that it wouldn't be long before she woke up to find herself in bed. The thought was so blissful, she relaxed for a few moments.

"And after we've ordered...and drank our coffee..what then?", Daisy asked almost sarcastically. Steph taking in a deep breath, "Then...we wait and see if Frank makes a move. If not...". She couldn't finish her sentence because Daisy began to laugh. The laughter became hysterical and Steph didn't know what to do. Should she slap her across the face as she had seen people do in the movies or ... or what?

[Stella]

Her problem was quickly solved by the appearance of Frank who had left his table and sat down beside Daisy. "Here Daisy love, don't be upset. Everything is going to be fine. I promise you. It's a complicated story, but it will all end happily, I promise you. The bad will get the punishment they deserve and the good...like me...will hopefully be rewarded. But the best prize for me would be... if you..".

Daisy took hold of his hand. "Bb..but are you OK? Was it a ho..ho..hoax? Yy..you looked so ill. I ccan't believe you are here!" He........

[Writer]

gently squeezed her hand. "Well, I am. Your friendly barman, Frank!" He smiled at Daisy and again she was struck by the colour of his eyes. "Only, I'd like to be more than just a friend to you, Daisy. You are lovely."

Steph was getting impatient. All this lovey-dovey stuff was all very well, but she wanted to know what the charade in the pub was all about. The police, the ambulance men and this Nick bloke who had been conning Daisy by calling himself Mike Rawcliffe... what was it all about? Steph....

[Emjay]

stood up. "I want to know what is going on Frank. This madness has gone on long enough. Poor Daisy here has been through an awful ordeal tonight. We all have. I am tired. Daisy is stressed. The Mayor has been wearing his chains for hours with no sign of relief. I think it is time we had an explanation. I'm going to fetch the Mayor in here to listen and then the trust must out!"

Steph went outside to bring the Mayor into the warmth of the cafe. There was no sign of him where she had last seen him. Something glinting above her head made her look up. The Mayor's chains were swinging from the beacon of the zebra crossing outside the pub. Steph looked hurriedly around, a feeling of panic creeping over her. Where was the Mayor? Nick Whoever-He-Was had vanished also. The police car had never arrived as far as Steph knew and now the two people she left outside waiting for it were gone. Steph ran back into the cafe.....

[Tia Dwopps]

This story is getting so complicated - even Mum doesn't understand exactly what is going on. But, Dwayne says..."it's nail-biting stuff" and I agree.

[Stella]

and confronted Frank. “Just what the dickens is going on? It appears both Nick whats-his-name and the Mayor have been kidnapped. I don’t care a damn about whats-his-name, but I am concerned about the Mayor. He’s been the kindest of men tonight… with a good sense of rhythm too.”

Frank gestured to Steph to sit down, but the friendly French proprietor shouted from behind the counter, “We are closing now. Sorry, but we’ve had a busy night and we all need our beds.” “Okay, okay”, replied Frank. “We are leaving…thanks very much.” Holding Daisy’s hand and gently ushering Steph through the door, the three of them walked out into the night air.

“Well”, demanded Steph, “I am still waiting for answers. And, I am prepared to stand out here in the cold until I get some. OK, start talking….”

[Stella]

The moonlight had just caught the Mayor's chains and they were glinting through the dark. A gentle breeze made them sway and deliver a pretty tinkling sound, something like the bell Daisy had hanging from a tree in her garden. Frank saw her shiver. "Here Daisy, take my jacket...this will help to warm you up."

He was acutely aware of Steph's impatience. She had her arms folded against her chest and she kept on stamping her feet. "Well", Steph said... "I am waiting....

[Redwald the Saxon]

Frank frowned as he thought hard of what to say next. Then from somewhere in Coldwell Street came what sounded like the clashing of saucepan lids clashing but in a moment into the Market Place marched a rabble of Saxons brandishing swords and shields and swaying dangerously under the influence of a goodly quantity of Wirksworth Mead.

'To the Wappentake, we shall go - let's defeat those foul Northumbrians '

Their shouting betrayed a vain attempt to chant in unison and by now four of their number had tripped over their cloaks and were writhing in the road with swords and shields scattered liberally on the pavement in front of the Mistral

Steph tried hard to keep up her hard face and folded arms but even her angry heart softened at the sight of so many familair faces in such wild attire.

It was dark but Daisy was sure she knew these people in another life.

Where had she seen them before?

The Civic Society?

The Glee Club ? (Can't be them -- this lot knew their lines)
Wirksworth.Net group?

The Town Council?

The NOW Board ?

Community Fayre editorial team?


Who ever they were she thought she saw a flash of a gold chain at one point under a cloak - but she could be not really sure.

As quickly as they had arrived, the gaggle of Saxons picked themselves up and swayed off towards the Black's Head singing (well almost) of old England and the Greenwood.

Daisy Frank and Steph collapsed in laughter.

'If can't beat em...' offered Frank, 'Then lets join them at the Wappentake' they all shouted following in the wake of the revellers'

[Tia Dwopps]

Is this the end of the story?

[Erica Boulton]

:mad: Certainly not, Tia! The Saxon gagglers must not be allowed to sabotage the Wirksworth soap. :mad:





;)

[Writer]

to continue from page 8...

"Well, said Steph, "I am waiting..."

Frank cleared his throat and began his story. “Can you go back to earlier on this evening when…a woman calling herself Tallulah came in?”. Steph quickly interrupted, “Yes, I remember … what a rude cow she was. So, what about her?”.

Frank continued… “Yeah..but, in fact she is a very good mate of mine. She is a private detective, like…”, Frank paused and looked earnestly at Daisy, “like me”. Daisy gasped. “What? You are not really a barman? But you’ve been working here for months! But why? How...

[Erica Boulton]

“Let me finish the story, Daisy and then you’ll understand”, Frank said gently.

It transpired that he and Annie (who described herself as an STSO (Small Town Safety Officer) were tracking a criminal called Nick Fishwick, known to Daisy for some time as Michael Rawcliffe.

“We knew he was living in this part of Derbyshire and that he was partial to the brew sold at the Hope & Anchor. It was a case of just waiting for him to turn up.” Meanwhile, Frank had to have some training to qualify him for a barman. "And a very good one too," said Daisy looking into Frank's remarkable golden brown eyes.

“But he was pretending to be some sort of policeman himself”, asked Steph. “Yeah,” Frank replied, “but he was a con. That number he gave on his mobile….". Steph interrupted, "Yeah, I remember thinking there was something fishy about that...

[James Ogilvy]

A sound from Daisy stopped her. “Daisy love, what’s the matter?”.

Daisy had begun to sob. “Poor thing, it’s all been too much for her”, said Frank as he gently wiped her tears. “I am not a poor thing”, Daisy remonstrated. “I just don’t like being conned. All those months as Mike’s - or..Nick Fishwick’s girlfriend. It was OK in the beginning…but then he got to be such a bore. But I can see now that was part of the con…he wanted to bore me. Oh why have I been such a fool?”.

“Now look here”, Steph said. “I’ll have none of that. You would have been a fool if you had gone on seeing him. But you saw the light…and that was very clever of you!”. Frank smiled admiringly at Steph, “She’s right, Daisy. But it’s all over now. He thought he was safe standing outside with the Mayor, but

[Writer]

it was all planned. Nick Fishwick is in a police cell now as we speak.”

Daisy and Steph were quiet for a moment and then both blurted out, “And the Mayor? What’s happened to him?”

“The chains outside were made to look as if they belonged to the Mayor, but in fact they were false. The Mayor is wearing them tonight as he strolls with the Wappers”, explained Frank. “I thought I saw them!”, exclaimed Daisy.

“So, the police have Nick, the Wappers have the Mayor…and I want you, Daisy.”


The end

[Tia Dwopps]

So this is the end...I am glad it ended happily. But me and my mum are sad it is all over. Will there ever be another soap?

[Erica Boulton]

I am sorry, but this ending is ridiculous. Just because Frank says ..."and I want you, Daisy". This implies that Daisy reciprocates....and, for goodness sake, they have only just got close to each other that night working behind the bar. Hardly much time to make it a happy-ever-after story.

There has to be more to the soap than this... can't it continue?

[Writer]

I think it has come to and, Erica...although I do agree with you about Frank and Daisy's relationship...he hadn't even kissed her!

But I think it is past its sell-by date.

'What the dickens' was the person who started it off. I reckon that person should begin another series. What dya think?