Scrap CH TWO part 29

CH TWO 29
Ken Chapman has decided that enough time has elapsed since his clandestine run for Olav Merck that he can now order the new tractor unit he has been hoping to buy. Sadly, for a supposedly patriotic Englishman he has found that none of the British made units on offer is up to the job of pulling the increasingly heavy loads and he has ordered a Scania after discussion with his brother-in-law who has four of them and gives them ten out of ten for reliability. He has also ordered a new curtain-sided ‘tilt’ trailer to go with it. That should cut down on the drivers’ fiddles and make turnarounds quicker as no time will be lost roping and sheeting loads. He has yet to decide who should have the privilege of taking charge of this new motor but Scotty would seem to be the best option as he is less likely to knock bits off it during deliveries.
The new addition to his fleet will see his tax bill cut down considerably as he has made sure to expect delivery by the end of March. He is somewhat disappointed after finding that his one remaining son shows little interest in the business but is determined to win him round. He will get him out with Scotty or whoever takes the new rig, during the holidays and pay him a bit more pocket money for his trouble. He seemed to get on well with Scotty last time and has all but made up his mind that he should have the new rig. Really he would prefer to let Fat Frank have it but he is not going to be available for some time yet. He wonders how the man is getting on; nobody has heard a thing from him since he went inside.
As he drives into the docks, past the security box, which is seemingly empty, he sees that Scotty is already loaded and finishing sheeting up. He never seems pleased to see him for some reason, even on pay day. ‘Finished nice and early this morning,’ smiles Ken as he sets to helping with the sheeting, ‘how’s the family? Dawn’s due any time soon isn’t she?’ Scotty’s stomach cramps up at the thought; ‘another week yet,’ he says, grunting as he pulls down on a rope and secures it, ‘but it’s her birthday today so I have to get a card and flowers and whatnot.’ Ken asks if they are planning anything special to celebrate but Scotty says they can’t afford to.
He is always suspicious when his boss tries to make polite conversation as he usually wants him to do something he will hate and this time is no exception. ‘I was hoping you’d take our Patrick out with you again during the holidays, get him used to doing some proper work,’ says Ken, ‘it’d be company for you and someone to give you a hand.’ Patrick is about as useful as a wet lettuce but Scotty has no option but to agree. ‘By the way,’ adds Ken, ‘I’m giving you the new rig when it comes in at the end of the month, how do you feel about that?’
Scotty is flattered to be chosen as guardian of the new lorry and less grumpy about having Patrick foisted on him because of it. Ken tells him all about the new acquisition and his driver is very impressed. For once he has something to celebrate on his wife’s birthday instead of being reminded of his own advancing years.
Dawn is wandering up and down the hall when Scotty arrives home with his gifts; her mother is fretting in the kitchen and almost pounces on him as he opens the door. ‘She’s started,’ says Mavis nervously, ‘the ambulance is on its way and she wants me to come with her.’ Thank the Lord for that, thinks Scotty, who has managed to absent himself from all previous matters involving the birth process. He kisses Dawn on the cheek, wishes her happy 35th birthday and shows her the flowers, card and chocolates he has left on the kitchen table. The ambulance pulls up outside and Mavis pushes past, grabs Dawn’s bags and opens the front door. ‘You get to bed, love,’ she advises her son-in-law, ‘Dawn will be fine with me, won’t you sweetheart?’
Dawn couldn’t care less who goes with her as she just wants to get it over with as quickly as possible. The ambulance man helps her along the path and they are quickly on their way. Scotty doesn’t know what to do for the best so he climbs into bed and falls asleep, safely tucked up underneath the covers.
‘Dad, wake up, mum’s not here and there’s no tea on the table.’ Robbie is first home from school and has arrived to find an eerily empty kitchen. Scotty explains that his Nan and Mum have gone to the hospital because the babies are on their way. Robbie has been dreading this day, for one because he will no longer be the youngest and for two it will be even more of a squeeze in their three bedroom house. ‘I hope it’s not girls,’ he grumbles as he stands looking out the window whilst his father dresses, ‘but if it’s boys where are they going to sleep?’ Scotty says not to worry about that as the babies will be in with him and his Mum for the first few months.
They get to the kitchen as Heather and the other boys arrive so Scotty relays the news to them. ‘Now, what do you usually have for tea?’ He opens cupboards and inspects the contents of the fridge before deciding that the easiest solution is to send John and Heather for fish and chips. ‘Janet will be home from her school trip this evening so she’ll look after you until your Nan gets back,’ he tells them as he hands over the money for the food. ‘Don’t get any for me: I’ll get off early and with any luck I should be home by four or five in the morning. I’ll have to let the boss know so he can get someone else to load up for me tomorrow.’
Under strict instructions to behave themselves, the children are left to their own devices as Scotty makes his escape. With any luck it will all be done and dusted by the time he gets home tomorrow.