Jimmy's Chance

Jimmy’s Chance by Mark Cottrell

Chapter1

You would think that June for an eleven year old
would be the best time of the year. School was
nearly out for the summer holidays and the
weather began to feel more like it wanted Jimmy
and his friends to join in. Jimmy, that.s Jimmy
Coburn, or James but only to Nanny Kate. Nan
believes Jimmy is still a baby and that is why
Jimmy allows his Nan to use her special name for
him, James.

Apart from his Nan Jimmy hated to be called
anything other than Jimmy, in fact he acted as if
someone had called him a nasty name if you
deviated or abbreviated his chosen adaptation of
his name, he would say

“I don.t have much, but what I do have is my
first name so use it”.

Jimmy is a really nice “junior master”, my real
owner and master is Martin Royale.

Martin is Jimmy.s stepdad; he married Mandy,
Jimmy.s mum a few years back; two and a half
to be exact.
I best slow down and let you catch up.

I am Harvey, a bit of a blabber mouth, my full
name is Harvey Percival the third; in my halcyon
days 2 or 3 years ago I was a black shiny coated
wet nosed pedigree Labrador about town, well
the park really.

Three years to me is twenty-one years to you
and at the ripe old age of fifteen years, I am
beginning to show my age. Put it this way if I
were a human I would be regarded in the same
mould as Sean Connery or George Clooney.
However, I think nowadays my swash has
buckled, less of the 007.s and more like double
OOhh! My back legs have gone.

Mandy calls up the stairs for the fourth time in
half an hour.

“Come on Jimmy move it and you Bradley hurry
up or you will both be late for school.”

Bradley is the older of the two boys and
therefore thinks. he is the man of the house.
How wrong can one person be?

It was the last week of term, just one week until
school freedom.

“Do I have to go in” bleats Bradley.

“My mates ain.t go.in, in, it.s a waste of bleeding
time, and we won.t be doing anything anyway”.

Mandy warns Bradley,

“Of course you have to go, and don.t swear, I
could not care less about your mates; obviously
their parents don.t care about their future. Now
I.m not arguing! Go to school”.

Mandy signs off, victoriously.

Jimmy arrives bouncing down the stairs leaping
from one foot to another, and making a sound
which could only be described as a one man
Foley machine; the sounds are always very
realistic, he is very good at sounds with cracks
bangs and machine gun fire.

I thought it might be best for me to go back to
my basket in case I got caught with friendly fire.

Bradley snipes at Jimmy, “You make me puke,
you are always acting, and it.s stupid, you are so gay.”

Passing the boys in the hall, just looking up at
Bradley with my death stare, he never lets on
but I think he knows I am not pleased with his
constant attacks on Little Jimmy.

Mandy shouting from the kitchen makes certain
Bradley hears her words,

“BRADLEY! leave your brother alone, and go to
school, one more word and you are grounded”.

Bradley passing in front of Jimmy, takes his
usual sneer at Jimmy by pushing his tongue into
the front of his own mouth between his bottom
lip and teeth; forcing a bulge in his lower lip,
making a

”UUHAUUH”!! Sound at Jimmy.

It is always followed by the same old nasty put
down, as if Bradley is stuck the in groove on an
old record,

“Monger”,

Bradley murmurs under his breath so Mandy
can.t hear.

All that I could think was coward I decided to
give Bradley my extra special dagger stare as I
slumped down into my basket near the kitchen
patio doors.

Jimmy.s counter to Bradley was great, with a big
grin on his small un marked wrinkle free little
face his simply looked his brother in the eye and
said,

“You can.t faze me, I have decided. I am having
a good day today”.

Skilfully swerving past the boys, Martin was
through the hallway in a flash. As usual he was
rushing from room to room, trying to get ready
for another week at the office. Stopping only for
a second Martin turned to face the now wall
supporting Bradley,

“You” Martin grunts, pointing at Bradley. “Leave
him alone and you”

Martin turns on his right heal, his outstretched
arm points to Jimmy.

“What” Jimmy asks, confused as he hadn.t done
anything.

Martin places his formidably sized hand on
Jimmy.s shoulder and smiles,

“You keep smiling, I.m back on Wednesday.”

Martin looks to the kitchen door and calls out.

“Mandy, I.m off love”

Mandy walks quickly in from the kitchen, full of
smiles trying to quickly dry her hands with a tea
towel, which she throws effortlessly over her left
shoulder. Mandy gives Martin a hug and a kiss.
Wiping lippy from his face she says,

“See you Wednesday, please drive careful”.

I could see Jimmy loved seeing his mum smile he
thought she was beautiful and he was certain
Martin his stepdad agreed.

Jimmy slowly turns his head and looks at Bradley
with a big soppy smile on his face, Bradley has
his middle finger down his throat pretending to
make himself sick,

“Come on dopey lets go”, Bradley orders.

Mandy frowns at Bradley, he may be a coward
and a bully but he also knows when to stop, that
look from Mandy always does the trick, Mandy
kisses both of the boys on the head and follows
them to the edge of the drive so that she can
wave the trio off.

“Bye boys”, Mandy smiles.

“Bye mum” calls Jimmy.

Mandy asks Bradley for a “goodbye”.

“Yeah whatever” is all he can muster; Mandy
gives one last wave to the boys, who by now are
around the corner and can.t even see her last
goodbye mummy wave.

Mandy turning back to face the house, mutters
under her breath, “I hate Mondays”.

I could clearly see her smile disappear as she
returned to the hall and turned to close the front
door.

Mandy had a weekly routine which was her
prison, but allowed her to have at least some
order in her life; Monday was the killer day
HOUSEWORK, it had to be done and Monday was
the biggest housework day of the week followed
by a bit of a tart up throughout the week to keep
up appearances.

It was lovely that everyone thought the house
was immaculate but Mandy had a guilty secret.
Her secret was only known to Mandy and me the
silent witness.

Each and every Monday for the past 30 months,
I watched from my basket as Mandy worked
extremely hard washing clothes, changing beds,
doing the dishes etc.

However, she would have to admit the laminated
floor was a bit of an interior design error, it
collected all of my hairs and fluff from the
families socks let alone the dirt from the boy.s
shoes, and it drove her mad.

I counted one day Mandy swept the floor seven
times, I knew what the problem was and Mandy
knew what the problem was; she didn.t clean
under the sofa.s or the big unit, to be honest I
think Mandy couldn.t be bothered.

Whenever the front or back door was opened the
hidden grime made its presence known, creeping
along in the door draft, or rolling through the
lounge, like a miniature tumble weed comedy
gag.

As soon as the chores are done, it.s a one
hundred mile an hour dash for the rest of the
day! Take me to the park, to meet Mo, I.ll tell
you about Mo, in a Mo get it I am so punny.

Go shopping, not the big shop that is Wednesday
morning at Tesco, we have to get back from the
shop get the tea on and after tea, Jimmy goes to
his Drama class.

Mrs Price at Jimmy.s school agrees with Nanny
Kate, that Jimmy is a gifted actor.

Mrs Price told Mandy and Martin during the last
parents evening,

“Jimmy is a gifted young actor in the making.”

Nanny Kate say.s,

“Jimmy could be a star if he wants to be”

Any way back to Monday, work around the house
is done so we are off.

Mandy.s voice changes into a childish voice,
crouching down smoothing my head she begins
to squeal.

“Come on Harvey, you can.t lie about all day
dreaming.

We are going to the park,

Yes the park,

Do you want to go to the park?

Come on boy,

Come on boy were going to the park.”

Why does she do that? That silly voice and
repeating herself, I sometimes wonder if she is
all there you know.

Just to play along I stand up, wag my tail a bit,
have a stretch and sit down. I have trained
Mandy to Know this means I need my lead, it.s
the law you know!

Then I remember we are going to see Mo.

I.ve learned not to make it obvious I know when
we are going to see Mo because Mandy will start
repeating herself again.

Mandy picks up the phone to call her best friend
Carol.

Carol lives by the park with her husband
Bernard, or Bernie as he likes to be known.

Bernie is someone who can really throw a ball,
Bernie has a plastic thing he puts the ball in and
WHAM it is orbiting the earth, seriously it.s true,
it almost disappears.

It goes so high!

When I watch it I always sneeze? Usually about
ten times!

I would love to know why I sneeze when I look
up into the sky for Bernie.s ball, odd isn.t it?
Anyway he works now, so can.t come to the park
anymore.

If I wanted to chase the ball I could then Mo my
Poodle friend would be out of a job. Whether it is
thrown by Bernie, Carol or Mandy I could chase it
and I would easily beat, skinny Mo to the ball.

To be honest I.m not that bothered, Mo brings it
to me every time anyway, then puffs and pants
in my face.

I think that she believes we go out with each
other or something, silly girl!

I hope Carol is in; Mandy makes the call dialling
and wiping the phone at the same time,

“Hello Carol, are you ready for the park? Great
we.ll see you in five. Meet by the bench? OK
Bye.”

Mandy finishes the call and taking hold of my
lead, she reaches for the drawer of shame, what
I am about to tell you, you will not believe.

Mandy has special bags in her drawer, which she
buys at the shop. Nothing odd there you might
say, that is until I tell you what the bags are for.

She keeps my poo?

And so does Carol, I have seen them do it.

This is how it works, I go No.2.s then Mandy
picks it up saying,

“Good boy?”

Here.s the mental part, she ties a knot in the bag
and puts it in her pocket! O.M.G?

I have to stand there with Mo looking and let
Mandy pick it up. I don.t know where to look half
of the time, and if you knew Mo like I do, she
must be dying inside, being so posh and all, well
Poodles are posh everyone knows that.

Slamming the front door and pointing her keys at
the car with a bleep, bleep the car alarm is off
and I have to turn into an Olympic high jumping
champion.

The back of our car drops down and I am
expected to leap into the air just at the right
height. I must land on the tailgate without caving
my head in on the interior of the 4x4 roof and
into the back of the car.

Mandy robotically chants;

“Come on Harvey, you can do it”

“We don.t have all day” she continues.

With a few attempts and a puff and a pant which
let.s face it at my age this is a massive effort on
my part; I.m in.

Mandy makes out we are going to the park for
me, I am certain it is just as much for Mandy.s
well being and mental health too.

I still can.t help thinking; she better had brought
some treats to make it worth my while.

We arrived at the park, I could clearly see Mo
and Carol stood by the bench, and I started to
call out to Mo to see if she has brought her ball
as in all of the rush I had forgotten to get mine
from my basket.

“Oh stop barking” Mandy shouts.

“What a blinking racket, and when I get out, you
wait, until I am ready”. Came the unnecessary
order.

Well I must say there are ways of asking and
that one is meant for puppies and juvenile dogs
none of which matches me. I „m old enough to
be her.....

Well you know what I mean I am after all, 105
human years old.

The trapdoor of the car opened, it is my name
for what has become my nemesis, the rear door
of the 4X4 has opponent written all over it and
was not about to be defeated.

What I really enjoy is that first sight of the park
and my old friend waiting to greet me. Just as
the trapdoor opens I am hit by the smell of
newly cut grass and the intoxicating perfume of a
thousand dogs, all mixed with a hint of fox.

FOX!

I must find that perfumed patch, when I wear
fox musk; I become wild and slightly dangerous.

The thrill I get from using a fox rolling patch
reminds me of years gone by and long summers.

Musk is my favourite, it drives the girls wild.

Jumping from the car could have gone better;
my back legs are not as athletic as they have
been in the past.

Carol called from the bench.

“Harvey, was that a yelp, you poor old thing,
take it steady.”

Mo kindly asked,

“Are you ok, H? That looked painful, why don.t
they get a crane for you to jump off of and have
done with it?”

Mo joked, we both smaned like puppies.

How are you anyway Mo? You.re not still doing
that skidding on your butt thing are you? I
couldn.t help but laugh, you looked mental.

Mo looked a little hurt by my comment.

“I couldn.t help it” Mo replied,

“Anyway the vet said it wasn.t my fault, Carol
changed my food”.

That just made me laugh even more and Mo
joined in too, she has a great sense of humour
well you would need one being a poodle.

We played and ran around before saying
goodbye until next week.

I had one last roll in the fox patch just as Carol
called Mo back.

Mandy didn.t call me? I thought, oh no I am in
trouble.

I couldn.t think for the life of me what I might
have done this time; a list ran through my mind,
well I thought to myself I smell great, I.ve played
with Mo, I have not been in any fights and I
didn.t beg for someone.s picnic.

I just jogged over pretending to limp a bit for the
sympathy vote.

I hadn.t noticed before but Mandy was crying and
saying to Carol something about Jimmy and a
bully at school.

Then I heard Jacks name mentioned too, that
name makes my back hair stand up. Jack is
Jimmy.s real dad.

Real dad?

That sounds strange when you say it out loud,
real dad? What.s the difference between
someone you live with and treats you like a dad
should; and a real dad you only see every other
weekend or so? It is all a mystery to me.

Carol smiles and hugs Mandy

“Goodbye babes, give me a ring later when the
kids are in bed we can talk then. Bernie.s going
to his French class tonight. So am I, French Pinot
red and a box of after eights.”

Carol laughs out loud and climbs into her sports
car, Mo jumps into the passenger seat.

“Talk to you later babe, and don.t worry. Byeee”

Carol signs off with a wave of her manicured
hand.

The wheels of Carol.s car spin rapidly and bite
into the gravel of the car park sending a spray of
dust and particles into the air.

“Her exits are always so dramatic and
spectacular”,

Mandy says wiping a tear from her cheek.

“Come on Harvey you can get in the front I can.t
stand the daggers and guilt feelings making you
get into the tailgate, especially after running
around for an hour.”

I was pleased Mandy wanted me in the front with
her; I knew she would confide in me. I am a
good listener and I never tell tales. I.ve carried
out this service for Martin many times especially
in his last relationship.

Most of all I listen to Jimmy in his room, he has
quite a lot to say sometimes, I.ve had so many
people crying into my papery ears, it.s a wonder
I don.t have water on the brain.

Chapter 2

Mandy starts with praise;

“Good boy Harvey, I wonder what you.re thinking
about?”

Mandy begins to ask me questions out loud, just
like in a normal conversation.

“I wish you could help with Jimmy. He has so
many problems, starting with his Dad.

His dad is really stupid, if he could just see how
happy Jimmy is over here with us and completely
unhappy over there with him and her.

Jack can.t see how difficult it is for Jimmy, being
so young; I really don.t know what I ever saw in
Jimmy.s Dad.

Jimmy.s not like his Dad, Bradley is more like his
dad! Oh why am I telling boy?”

I am a good listener that.s why.

Mandy stops the car in the Metro car park and
shuts the car door leaving a tantalising gap at
the top of the window for me to get some fresh
air, but not enough to get out.

She makes me laugh; she could leave the door
wide open; after I.ve been to the park for an
hour I.m not running off anywhere.

When we arrive back at home, there is a lovely
surprise Nanny Kate.s car is on the drive.

“Harvey, it.s Nanny, its Nanny Harvey, go and
see” Mandy.s voice changed for the better.

I got a sudden spurt of energy; Nanny Kate has
a smile that works on everyone, and a smell that
works on me.

I can tell from a thousand yards if she has
anything for me, I don.t know why I strain my
nose to find out, as she never lets me down.

“Harvey, oh Harvey you are a handsome boy,
come and see Nan, now don.t jump up.”

Nan instructs with a short wave of her left index
finger.

“Let.s get in and have coffee,”

Nan.s idea is perfect.

Mandy enquires whilst opening the front door.

“Hello Mum, I haven.t stopped today, every
Monday is the same, what have you been up to?”

This small talk is always boring so I decide to go
to my bed and check on baby tears, she is my
doll, I have had her for years, odd really it is the
only toy I haven.t chewed or lost.

It won.t be long now and I.ll have my Nanny
chewy I slobbered to myself.

I watch the coffee making process whilst
dreaming of chews, the conversation turns to
Jimmy.

That always makes my ears prick up, this
involves me if it.s about Jimmy, he.s my friend so
I want to hear whatever Mandy has to say to
Nan, and the thought of treats will have to wait.

Nanny Kate searches Mandy.s face for any sign
or a clue.

“What is it my love? You seem a little down
today, is it Jack again?”

Mums are good at that search for information
stuff.

Mandy sips her coffee and sighs,

“Well yes and Jacks spiteful missus, you know
what.s her name? Brenda, that.s it. She thinks
her twins are so perfect. Jimmy can.t do anything
right according to her perfect twin scale.”

Nan pushing her back deep into the rear of the
big chair next to the window takes a large swig
of her coffee.

I don.t know if Mandy noticed, but Nan.s face
started to change shape and a frown like the
forehead of a Klingon began to form, this can
only mean trouble for Jack and Brenda, Mandy.s
Ex and his dragon partner.

“Why, what has happened?” asks Nan in a false
lightweight voice.

I could easily see Nan was on the probe, I.ve
stood outside with Nan many a time and heard
her mutter under her breath, whilst smoking her
long cigarettes.

I have heard her giving Jack and his lack of
support for Jimmy a good what for, then like a
true professional she blows away the smoke puts
her cigarette case and gold lighter back in her
bag; sprays herself from head to foot in her
favourite body perfume and re-enters the room
with a smile, now that.s class.

Mandy begins to fill in the details;

“You know the boys went over their dads on the
weekend?”

Without a word Nan nods.

“Well as blinking usual Bradley and Jack went off
to see Dirk Matthews”.

Nan Jumps in almost spitting out her coffee,

“I know him he.s a Big Trucker”

Nan rudely laughs out loud.

Mandy forces a smile,

“Oh Mum you are naughty, do you want a
biscuit”, holding the tin out Mandy continues;

“Anyway, Jimmy asked me to make up an excuse
for him again, this is happening every time now
in the hope he didn.t have to go to his Dads, it.s
getting worse Mum.”

Mandy.s voice begins to crack in sadness,

“I feel like I.m forcing him to go, I feel awful
especially when he comes back with horror
stories of what has happened!”

Nan.s back leaves the comfort of her position,
her back straightens;

“What horror stories, if they have touched a hair
on his head, I will...”

Nan is stopped in her tracks by Mandy.

“No, No nothing like that, they just treat him as
if there was something wrong with him, the poor
little sod gets all that at school from that Aaron
kid and his side kick Dillip.”

Nan laughs.

“Dillip? You mean Phillip?”

Mandy explains,

“No Mum he.s Indian, or his Grandparents are he
was born over here.”

Nan reclines back into the chair and interlocks
her fingers;

“So what was said?” Nan enquires.

“Apparently, as soon as Jack and Bradley had
gone out, Brenda started to give out the chores;
Jimmy had to help the Twins clean their room
while Brenda sat chatting on the phone all
morning.

Jimmy tried to tell Brenda the twins were not
helping; she told him he was a “tell-tat”.

Mandy finished the tale with;

“She has called him a drama queen, who ought
to be used to a feather duster being a mummy.s
boy”.

Mandy explains to Nan,

“It is that sort of snipe he has had to put up with
for what seems like forever, just because he
doesn.t like bloody Monster trucks and pubs, He.s
only eleven.”

Mandy slumps over and throwing her hands to
her face and begin to sob and cry. I knew I was
needed so I went straight to her and sniffed her
ear, sat down in front of Mandy and gave her my
paw.

“Oh Harvey you are a clever boy,”

Mandy sniff.s and dab.s at the corners of her
eyes with her sleeves.

“I bet my mascara has run now, do I look alright
Mum? The boys will be home soon I don.t want
them to see me like this.”

Nan stands up, towering over Mandy explains;

“They should see how you are feeling, especially
Bradley, he.s leaving school, and going to work
soon, it.s time he became a man, I will stay and
talk to them with you if you like”.

Mandy began to perk up;

“Can you stay tonight Mum, Martin is away till
Wednesday?”

Nan smiles;

“OK, let.s get the tea on”.

Mandy Turns to her Mum, her tone softens
Mandy points at the photograph of the boys in
the window, which was taken several years ago.

“Where have my babies gone? They grow up so
fast.”

Nan nod.s and looks at Mandy in the same way
remembering her baby as she once was.

All you could hear was the distant murmurings of
the radio in the living room and the splash of the
water tap as Mandy started to wash the
vegetables in the sink.

For a while you could have been forgiven for
believing all was quite in the world, I knew
however it was the calm before the storm, I
quickly squeezed myself in between Nan and the
cupboard, looking up thought I might be able to
use my telepathic skills to remind the “Old Crow”
she had forgotten my chewy treat, It worked
perfectly.

“Oh my love” Nan cried

“I didn.t forget your chew it is in my pocket”.

Yeah right I thought.

It was just in time, as I sat back on my bed the
front door flew open with a crash against the hall
radiator.

Jimmy shouts out as he runs up stairs and falls
onto his bed crying.

“Get stuffed, I hate you, you.re a bully, Mum tell
him”

Nan and me, go to the hall, followed by Mandy.

Mandy cries out in vain;

“What the heck is going on? as soon as you walk
through the door it.s the same thing every day
and I am tired of it”.

Mandy is clearly at the end of her tether as she
speaks her voice begins to fault, I could see her
eyes welling up, Nan steps in;

“Where is Bradley? I bet he is at the bottom of
this, again?” Correctly guesses Nan.

“Bradley, get in here now.”

Orders, Mandy.

The teenage menace and now moody Bradley
slump.s up to the door and without a care says;

“Is tea ready, I hope we ain.t got SHIT Veg
again.”

As the “S” word came out of his mouth and
before he could move Nan slapped his face, and
hard!

“You will show some respect young man, you
might use language like that over there.”

Nan was obviously referring to his dad.s house.

“You certainly do not use it here. Do you
understand? Now go to your room and do not
speak or gesture to Jimmy on your way to your
room, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”

Nanny Kate demands a reply;

Bradley attempts a “yes” but no sound came out
instead he just ran up to his room in disgrace.

Nan followed Bradley up to his room and sat on
the edge of his bed, I eventually made it up to
the doorway whilst I was out of breath it was
hard not to be noticed listening in. Bradley still
rubbing his cheek and too shocked to speak just
stands looking up to his bedroom light, trying
hard not to cry.

“Do you see how it feels when someone older
and tougher than you treats you bad? How does
it feel tell me”.

Bradley shrugs his shoulders and with a typical
mumble, says;

“I done know”.

Nan corrects him,

“I do not know, you listen to me you are almost
Sixteen years of age and Jimmy is Eleven.”

Nan continues;

“Eleven years old, do you remember when you
were eleven? Gary Bishop threatened to beat you
up, who was it stopped him eh, eh? Who was it?”

Nan begins the rebuilding process Bradley quietly
answers,

“It was you Nan”

Nan smiles;

“You were horrible to your Mum; she is my baby
so I protected her from you. You are nearly a
Man, I stood between you and I would do it
again”.

“Now I understand you went off to see my old
boyfriend on Saturday?”

Bradley screws up his face;

“No.”

Nan whispers Dirk Mathews the Monster truck
driver; I was his girlfriend many years ago.”

Nan winks and leaves the room.

Bradley is left in awe he could not believe what
he was hearing. It was known to all, Dirk was
Bradley.s absolute favourite his driving was
fearless and what a truck, most of it was black
with a ton of chrome all finished off with the
biggest wheels in the world.

Bradley thought no-one would believe this was
the ex boyfriend of his Brilliant Nanny Kate.

Leaving his room Nanny Kate walks the short
distance down the hall to Jimmy.s room.

“Knock, knock” Nan says playfully.

A little broken voice from inside the room replies.

“Who.s there?”

Nan responds with,

“The best.est Nanny in the world.”

A happier voice continues the fun with;

“The best.est Nanny in the world who?”

Nanny laughs out loud;

“Oh! Just let me in you tease”.

The door opens and red eyed runny nosed little
urchin falls into his Nan.s arms and begins to sob
and cry.

“Everybody hates me;

“Jimmy cries”

“I could make a list as long as Harvey.s tail
starting with Bradley, Brenda and Dad.”

Nan didn.t speak not because she didn.t have
anything to say. Nan always had something to
say about Jimmy.s enemies.

No, that wasn.t the reason she didn.t speak. It
was because of the lump that had formed in her
throat and the pain she felt inside, the thought
that her little man was so sad, was the reason. I
knew this because my throat was feeling the
same way.

Squeezing Jimmy tight Nanny Kate.s word
comforted Jimmy;

“I am staying tonight, can I sleep in your bed
with you?”

Jimmy looked up at his lovely Nanny and said,

“Oh yes please, so long as you don.t blow off.”

Nanny roughed him about laughingly and they
both fell back onto the bed squealing with
delight.

Unknown to Nanny Kate and after her little talk
with Jimmy.s older brother, Bradley had made
his way down stairs.

Mandy was sat at the kitchen table nursing a
warm cup of coffee and staring out of the kitchen
door which was open.

“Mum, sorry all right? It.s just that we always
have Veg on Mondays!”

Mandy snapped at the falsely repentant Bradley.

“Right, you go shopping and you can do the
cooking, get out of my sight” Mandy screams.

Bradley made for the back door and with a smirk
on his face say.s,

“I.m going to John.s I.ll have tea there.”

It appeared his plan not to be grounded had
worked. Bradley walks down the path and sitting
on the step by the front door, he takes his
mobile phone from his pocket and sends a text.

I could just about read it over his shoulder-

{JON I.M OUT C U AT PARC L8TR}, his walk
becomes a swagger as he turns the corner and is
gone.

Chapter 3

Jimmy.s voice bellows “Mum, where are my
drama shoes, we.ve got dance tonight at drama
club”.

Jimmy always looked forward to drama club, all
of the kids there worked hard to make the latest
production the best they had ever done. Jimmy
was not the best dancer and from personal
experience I can honestly say he was not a great
singer, however he could act his socks off, he
could make you believe he was sad or happy he
could make you laugh and in a second make you
cry, and it was all make believe. Like someone
with special powers he never misused the skill he
had, that would not be right.

Mandy replies from the kitchen where she is
clearing up with Nanny Kate “where you left
them, in your cupboard”.

Nanny Kate looked at the worn out and tired
Mandy and offers “I could take him to drama if
you like”.

Mandy smiles “would you? Thanks mum I need
to call Carol and let her know I am OK, I was a
little upset at the park earlier”.

Nanny Kate.s car smelt of mints, I could smell it
from the front doorway and clear across the
drive, the car was spotlessly clean inside and
out, which was a nuisance, it always meant I
could not go with Jimmy to drama club if Nanny
took him, the only time I could get into Nanny.s
car was if I was ill or the back seat had been
covered with a blanket.

I always wait for Jimmy by the front door, if I
can.t go because, after club Jimmy runs in a
chases me up the stairs, I lay on my rug in his
room and Jimmy would lay on his bed and tell
me everything, like he always says,

“I am glad you don.t mind listening Harvey, it
helps him learn my lines”. We make a great
team.

After they had gone Mandy finishes off in the
kitchen and reaches for my favourite place, my
food cupboard, I can.t stand the suspense is it
rabbit no, no I hope it.s lamb as the tin opener
pierces the can a jet of meaty fragrance fills my
waiting moist nostrils, It.s beef in gravy; hooray
my favourite most delicious diner in the world
ever.

Mandy fully opens the lid and pulling the
contents out of the tin with my fork, turns to me

and with a weird smile she say.s “Oh my Harvey;
this stinks, how could you eat this crap?”

I could not believe what she was saying; well
you bought it I barked, I think she got the
message as she walked off into the lounge.
Leaving me to enjoy my mouth-wateringly
wonderful meal with crunchy biscuits; followed
by a cool drink of local aqua in my own bowl.

Mandy grabbing her coffee on-route walks
through to the lounge and sits in the chair by the
phone, Oh Good I thought, and she.s ringing
Carol.

Mandy sips her coffee and dials Carols number,
“hello Mate, I thought I.d call you early, can you
speak?”

There.s a pause “Oh good, Mum took Jimmy to
club and Bradley has gone out in a huff as usual.
We had a fight, Mum smacked his face. I know I
couldn.t believe it either. He deserved it! He was
swearing”.

Mandy went on to explain in detail what was
said, from what I could hear Carol agreed with
Nanny.s punishment. Carol could see that
Bradley was beginning to use the whole situation

to add to his own agenda, you could easily tell
what Carol was saying from Mandy.s replies.

As soon as Mandy had put the phone down it
began to ring, “Hello?” Mandy.s face lit up.

“Hello baby, I love you too” Mandy sighed.

You didn.t need to be Sherlock Holmes.s blood
hound to workout it was Martin at the other end
of the line. Martin must have asked what Mandy
had been doing today, fighting back the tears
Mandy recalled “Well; I.ve been to the park with
Harvey his back legs are giving him gyp, I met
up for a chat with Carol and mum came over
she.s staying tonight. The kids, well Bradley he.s
driving me insane”.

The flood gates opened and all of the stress of
the day came out in one great cascade of verbal
picture drawing enhanced with true emotion.

“You.d better be hands free, you.re driving aren.t
you” warns a concerned Mandy.

Poor Martin must have felt helpless at the other
end of the phone and so far away, unable to
comfort his wife in her hour of need.

The door bell rings “hang on love, someone is at
the door.

“Don.t go away” Commands Mandy.

Putting down the phone and Making her way to
the front door I thought I ought to join her just
in case she needed protection, well it could be
anyone and Mandy was in the house alone.

Mandy opened the door to a loud.

“Surprise”

The sound rang out through the whole house.

It was Martin, with his blue tooth thing in his ear.
I have never heard such a scream followed by
howling laughter.

Mandy jumped straight into Martins open arms,

“You are fantastic; you are always here when I
need you”.

The kiss that followed seemed to last forever
and the accompanying embrace was almost too
tight, seeing as they had only been apart since
breakfast, what a difference a day makes.

Martin looked over Mandy.s shoulder, winked at
me and mouthed the words

“Nanny called me” and winked again. I thought
crafty sod.

Martin picked up his bag and said “I have got
some brilliant news, and I know you need to talk
to me about Bradley, your Mum told me what.s
been going on, over the phone”.

“Mum? When did you speak to Mum?” Mandy
enquires.

Martin smiled and felt the need to defend Nanny
Kate “she was only thinking of you, she called
me earlier. I am pleased she did, I have taken
some time off; well it.s a little more than that,
listen to this Bob and I are going it alone, it.s
time to go for it”.

Mandy looked at Martin with real love and pride
in her eyes she knew he could do anything he
put his mind to and Martin knew Mandy would be
behind him all the way.

Within minutes of getting in the front door Martin
had taken his place as the man of the house.

“What time did you tell Bradley to be in love?”
Martin asks.

Mandy stopped to think; “it was all a bit of a blur
what with the arguing and me being so upset. I
can.t remember, in fact I don.t think I had a
chance to discuss it with him”.

Martin walked straight into the lounge “what.s his
mobile number?” Martin asks.

I am taking back control of this situation insists
Martin.

He explains whilst picking up the phone “I look
after people of all ages, every day and I am
certainly not being controlled by a little bully like,
our Bradley”.

I could tell by his voice, this was not going to be
pretty.

“Bradley, where are you? What do you mean
why? Where are you? Get your backside, back
here now or I will come to the park and collect
you in front of your little friends”. Bang the
phone went down.

Martin turned to Mandy and said calmly “coffee
love? I.ll make it, Harvey come-on boy; I.ll let
you out the back for a wee”.

I didn.t really want to go, but I.ve learned over
the years when Martin is in this sort of mood you
don.t argue. The back door opened and I did my
duty.

I came back into the house and Mandy was in
Martins arms, the look on her face was different
she was staring straight into his eyes, this made
me a bit worried because a few years back a
piece of metal at work had almost blinded my
master and I wasn.t trained for all that guide dog
stuff.

If it had flared up again, with me being so old
what would I do? Still looking closely into his
eyes Mandy said a strange thing “you are so
masterful, I.m going to make you the luckiest
man alive tonight; big boy”. I thought what the
hell does that mean?

“Hello it.s me, we.re back” Nanny almost sings
her greeting as she enters the house.

Jimmy chuckles “We have had such a laugh,
Nanny was telling me about the olden days, in
the 60.s, when Nan was a wrestler at the Holston
Rooms in Spring Port”.

Martin almost choked on his drink “Wrestler?” he
spits and laughs.

What is a Wrestler? I thought I hope they
explain, everyone starts to laugh out loud Nanny
was holding her lower belly and announced
“don.t please don.t I will wet myself”.

Everyone went back to the lounge as Jimmy
starts to tell the tale of Lady Tornado, the fasted
female Wrestler in the west.

“That.s right isn.t it Nan?” Jimmy proudly
exclaims.

“Yes my love, it was great in those days we felt
as if we could do whatever and go wherever we
liked, not a care in the world. We would travel
around in an old clapped out Bedford minibus
with my boyfriend driving”.

Jimmy jumps in “What Grampy Jim?”

Nan had to own up, “no James, not Grampy Jim,
It was” Nan makes a deep breath pause;
everyone slightly leans forward waiting for the
revelation.

“It was” Nan teases.

A voice from the hall, delivers the punch line “It
was Dirk Mathews. The truck stunt driver, me
and my real dad likes”.

Bradley.s premature unveiling, spoils Nanny
Kate.s lovely story.That was the final straw for
Martin “Jimmy shower. Now please” Martin made
it clear he meant now.

Jimmy being a bright boy kissed his Nanny and
Mum and dashed up stairs, as he passed the
slouched Bradley in the hall Jimmy took his
opportunity and returned the bulging lower lip
taunt and with a quick but quiet “UUHUU;
monger” Jimmy laughed and disappeared up the
stairs and into the family bathroom.

It was the start of the Brecon Drive inquisition,
and Bradley was the accused.

I can.t imagine what he must have been thinking
as he ambled into the room giving it large. His
eyes slowly raised and before he spoke his face
showed nothing but contempt for the situation.

If I can I will set the scene, Martin was stood
with his back to the fire place, Mandy sat to his
right on the main sofa by the TV and Nanny Kate
was in the big chair by the window, I finished the
look by walking slowly forward and stretching out
in front of Martins feet on the fur rug. It was
reminiscent of a painting by Rembrandt.

“Take a seat young man” Martin begins.

Bradley looked around for a suitable place to sit
and plumbed for a seat by his Mum, this was
obviously a ploy, which Martin saw straight
through. Martin had spent years in people
management, it had taught him strategies and

interview skills Bradley had no idea about,
Bradley was a lamb to the slaughter.

Martin thought it might be best to ensure Mandy
had an opportunity to speak directly into
Bradley.s face.

“Mandy love, can you sit here with your Mum”,
came the devastating news to Bradley.s juvenile
plan.

Martin being a fair man started with a statement
of fact, in an attempt to take away the obvious
thunder Bradley had up his sleeve.

“Bradley I am going to make this easy for you,
and start by letting you into a few secrets”
Confides Martin.

“Number One; I am not your father, but whilst
you live in this house I can and will tell you what
to do, how do you like them onions?”

“Two, you will not swear at anyone within these
walls ever OK?”

“Three; treat your little brother with respect; I
have never heard him say anything nasty to you
except in retaliation”.

“Four; I can honestly say I have not seen any
effort from you to secure a job! You finish school

in 3 days and you will owe rent to us in a month
from that date. And don.t tell me your dad will
sort it out, because he won.t”. Martin finishes in
a brilliant flurry.

I wanted to applaud.

As a mark of respect; Martin offered the floor to
any other comments from Nanny Kate or Mandy.

Nan decided “you.ve said it all Martin, thank
you”.

Martin looking at Mandy, he knew as did I,
Mandy had that horrible torn feeling between
protecting her child from the situation and
knowing that sometimes you have to be cruel to
be kind.

Many years ago I heard Martin talking to some
new staff; I was a puppy at the time and so I
didn.t really understand until now what he was
saying to them. He said he would help as much
as possible to ensure they succeeded.

However and here is the brilliance of the man, he
explained.

“All of you new people, I could do your job for
you, but for you to develop and fully be able to
last in this job and life in general, you need to

make your own triumphs through your own
struggles. It would be like helping a baby bird
out of its shell, it will not be as strong as it might
be if it had to struggle to release itself, its
nature.s way”.

In a way this was the message he was relaying
to Bradley and his life in the very near future.

Mandy Looking at Bradley, who for once seemed
to be shocked at the fact, he is left with nowhere
to go. His entire defence and attack had been
scuppered, Bradley decides a lame threat might
add some credence to the proceedings.

“Our dad said I don.t have to put up with this
from you; he said if you start I.ve got to ring
him. Right” Bradley.s poor attempt at a threat
finished.

Martin leans over picks up the phone and tosses
it to Bradley and chirps “do you know his
number, if so ring him”.

Martin adds, “Make certain you cover all of the
points we have covered, swearing at your Mum,
picking on your brother, no job, and no
prospects. If you think for one moment your
mutual love of bloody monster trucks is going to
sort out your future then you are sadly mistaken
my old matey”.

Bradley places the phone down by his side, deep
down he knows his dad is mostly hot air, good
for an argument down the pub when he is worst
for drink and a day at the truck park once a
fortnight but that was about it.

Martin realising that he may have been a little
hard on the boy offers an olive branch.

“Bradley, I am starting up my own business with
Bob Fry, I cannot offer you a executive role you
understand”

Bradley almost cracks a smile

“I can however offer you a chance to prove you
are as good as your Mum and Nan tells me you
are. You do as you are told, and be nice to your
brother, it will be a start and you will be showing
me you are growing up. You can start the
Monday after school finishes, deal”. Martins offer
ends.

Turning on his heels on the final syllable and sips
his coffee. Looking in the reflection of the mantle
mirror Martin watches and waits for a response.

Nan pipes up “Oh! How nice of you Martin, say
thank you Bradley”.

Mandy looks straight at Martin and knowing her
son better than anyone, she is not surprised
when his answer eventually comes; it is an
unbelievable reply.

“Ok Martin, thanks I will start, but after the six
weeks holiday, alright?” Bradley offers benignly.

“Six weeks holiday, Six weeks holiday are you
pulling my whas name, lad? There are no more
six weeks school holidays for you, you.ve left
school, are you totally stupid? This is the last
time I.m asking, are you starting with me on
Monday or what?” Martin finishes angrily.

Mandy stands and goes over to her shell shocked
son.

“Listen Bradley this is the best opportunity you
will ever get, think about it for a second, if things
go well you could be part of our own family
company, as it grows you will grow with it”.

Bradley smiles stands up and holding out his
hand, shakes Martins still outstretched hand.

Bradley cracks a joke “this time next year we will
all be Millwionaires”.

Martin gives his cup to Mandy and sighs “Great, I
am going to the shop for a bottle of wine, do we
need anything else?”

Nanny goes to the foot of the stairs and calls out
“James, are you out of the shower yet? Your skin
will be like a prune, hurry up, it.s time for bed”.

I was totally knackered after a day like that, I
quietly made my way up to Jimmy.s room and
took up position on the Spiderman matt at the
foot of his bed, within minutes I was a sleep, I
must have been weary I didn.t hear anyone go to
bed. The next thing I heard was the terrifying
sound of Jimmy.s alarm clock
BLURRP,BLURRP,BLURRP it is a wonder I didn.t
have a coronary there and then, you imagine the
headline on ITV news BONG, trouble in Iraq,,
BONG, Thornton man wins pools, BONG, dog dies
from killer alarm clock.

Everybody moves around like it.s a race against
time on Tuesday mornings. Mandy has to go to
work at “Lipton.s Fruit and Vegetable stores”
from Ten in the morning until Two in the
afternoon, Mandy has worked there since
Christmas twice a week and every other
Saturday. Within what seems less than an hour,
I.ve been out for a quick walk; the boys have
had breakfast and are off to school, Nan has

gone home, leaving five minutes to savour the
easiest off to school event of the year.

“Your talk with Bradley really worked, he was
great this morning he even came back to get
Jimmy.s lunch which he.d forgotten, I was
amazed”. Mandy rejoices.

When I left the room Martin was led in bed
smiling from ear to ear and looking at Mandy
getting ready for work.

“No I haven.t got time, and you.ll mess up my
hair” Mandy laughs.

Those two are a mystery to me. The journey
down stairs is fraught with danger, its steep and
with my legs I have to walk head first, slowly
with my front legs holding my weight and hop
with the back legs one step at a time, it is a
day.s work on its own.

Chapter 4

“Mum can I have some friends over for tea on
Friday; it is the last day of term, Please Mum;
can I?” Jimmy begs.

Mandy thinks for a while, “I will speak to Martin
and see what he says OK?” responds Mandy with
the best diplomatic answer she could think of.

Jimmy smiles at me “excellent Martin will say yes
I am sure of it” said Jimmy excitedly. “I.ll tell the
gang” shouts Jimmy as he runs into garden
“Harvey, stick, get the stick”

It.s like a drug, no matter how old I get, when
Jimmy wants to play, so do I.

Friday morning already as the Blurrp, Blurrp of
the alarm rudely announces. Jimmy lifts his head
from his pillow, peering over the quit cover with
sleepy eyes and his hair sticking up in every
direction like a mental cockerel, he shouts with
glee

“yippee, Harvey it is the last day of school, if I
just stay out of the way of Aaron Wilkinson and
that idiot Dillip for just one more day, then I
don.t have to see them again until September,
yippee”.

I hate Aaron and Dillip and yet I have never seen
them, the times Jimmy has cried in his room and
been too scared to go out because of those two
bullies. I wish at times Jimmy had a bit of his
brother inside of his head, Bradley isn.t
frightened of anyone.

I heard Jimmy.s best friend Alan tell his other
friend Doug that Bradley is the hardest kid in the
school; I wish he.d sort out Aaron and Dillip for
Jimmy.

Whilst Mandy was out I helped Martin put the
dome tent up in the garden, the weather was
perfect for camping outside.

“This will be a nice surprise for Jimmy when he
comes home from school, I wonder if we could
have a Bar B Q?” ponders Martin.

I thought it was a brilliant idea; however I also
knew that Mandy often planned evening meals
days in advance, and change was not her
speciality.

Martin taking his mobile phone from his pocket
calls Mandy “hi love, how many friends are we
letting Jimmy have around tonight?” Martin
pauses and whilst listening to the answer jumps
in and explains.

“Well, I was thinking if he invited the whole mob
they could sleep over”.

Martin responds to Mandy.s reluctance.

“I have put the tent out” Martin gives me the
nod.

“Yes love I know I.m brilliant”. Martin agrees
with Mandy.

In a final enquiry Martin asks “have we got any
Bar B Q coal? I thought it would be easier to
cater for them in the garden, great I will sort
things this end, Love you, bye”

Martin ends the call with a triumphant punch in
the air.

“We are eating ribs boy, oooweee! “ Martin.s
voice was high pitched and a little over excited
for a 44 year old business man, you would have
expected it more from a Texas cowboy. Then it
dawned on me if he is eating ribs; then I am
eating rib bones my mouth began to water,
unbelievably I could almost smell them already.

It was time to inspect the interior of the tent,
just to make certain everything was ready for
Jimmy; it all looked shipshape to me.

“Stay here boy I am off to the butchers” explains
Martin as he grabs his keys and makes for the
front door.

I knew his mind was away with the fairies so I
barked out to him “lock the doors” Martin
stopped and to my amazement turned and said
“Come on boy, in, I have to lock up”

I nearly fell off of my four feet; I can speak
human.

Mandy arrived back just as Martin was starting
up the Bar B Q.

“Thanks for doing this, you really are wonderful,
Jimmy will be over the moon. I haven.t even told
him he can have anyone over; I.ll make some
calls to his friend.s mums”. Mandy sets off to the
lounge.

“Hello Mum, Martin I.m home” calls Jimmy.

“I am around the back, we are having a Bar B Q”
Martin proudly announces.

As Jimmy comes into view it is clear there is a
bruise on his face just below his right eye.

“What is that mark on your face, bruiser” laughs
Martin.

Hearing the news Mandy almost breaks the
national 10metre sprint record “What mark, what
bruise, oh my love how did you do that?” asks
Mandy.

Jimmy.s eyes begin to well up and his chin
quivers, a cracked little voice starts to say “I
didn.t do anything it was! Oh Mum he beat me
up and said he will get me in the holidays too”.

“Aaron” Mandy guesses

“It was Aaron Wilkinson, wasn.t it? I am going to
box his ears, wait till Nanny hears this”. Many
warn.s.

Well, I was livid, where was Bradley when this
was happening? Where is he now? The answer
was just around the corner, as soon as I saw him
I thought oh no he.s drunk. Bradley had that
gormless smile on his spotty face with eyes that
looked like they only opened half way, his head
wobbled around as if his neck didn.t have the
strength to hold the weight of his head. And
what his friends had written on his shirt, well I
can only say it was filth.

You could cut the atmosphere with a knife;
Jimmy had completely forgotten about his battle
and just waited for the storm to drop on
Bradley.s head, it didn.t take long to arrive.

Mandy.s opening salvo starts with the usual
“Look at the state of you, how much have you
had to drink?”

Martin jumps in whilst poking the hot coals “More
to the point, where did you get served, if it.s that
corner shop I will have them closed down.

Mandy decides very quickly the conversation is
going nowhere and the proof was in the only
response Bradley could
deliver.”WAZZZZZZUUUUUP, Mo Fo, ehh bro waz
aappenning,”

Followed by, “Martin mate, Big up your bad self”.

Martin turns to face the disappointment that is
Bradley and with a single blast from his mouth
Martin shouts “Shower”.

Mandy takes hold of the big drinker and coaxes
him into the house and up to the bathroom.

Martin turns to Jimmy raises his eyes to the sky
and as is Martins skill, he smiles and confirms

everything Jimmy knew about his older brother
in a simple word “Burk”.

Jimmy nod.s and pleads,

“You won.t let him spoil my fun with the gang
will you Martin?”

A shake of his stepdads head is good enough for
Jimmy.

My ears stand on end as the sound of one of the
nicest people I know echo.s through from the
drive

“Oggy oggy oggy”

Jimmy and Martin in unison reply “Oy oy oy”.

It is the fabulous Alan, one of, if not Jimmy.s
very best mate. Swaggering into the back
garden, Alan chirps up with “good I.m here first,
any food yet Jimmy?”

Alan could never be confused with being shy.

“Where is your gorgeous Mum?” he taunts “

“Mandy had to take Bradley the big drinker up to
the shower he.s drunk, and I expect off to bed
after his busy day” Martin jokingly replies.

A voice rings out from the upstairs window.
“Hello Alan you hunk, how are you?”

Alan looks for a second as if he.s going to blush
and retorts “Entirely better for seeing you Mrs
Royale, how is boozey head?”

Mandy answers “He.ll survive, just long enough
to get what.s coming to him tomorrow. I will be
down in a minute. Martin he.s gone to sleep do
you think he will be OK left alone?”

Martin replies “Put him in to the recovery
position and a sick bowl by his head and we can
check him regularly, that.s the last we will see of
him for the day”.

Jimmy looks at Alan and whispers “good”.

Alan saunters across the lawn and over to me,
stuffing his hand deep into his pocket, Alan pulls
out a lamb flavoured chewy stick “here you are
H, this is for you”.

I gave him an extra long tail wag for this
unexpected surprise, I don.t know if I mentioned
I really like Chewy sticks.

Suddenly we heard a scuff of a bike wheel as it
rounded a full 360 degree broadside on the loose

stones that edge the front drive, there is only
one person Jimmy knows who can ride a bike
better than any boy, let alone spit further and
stone skip the lake a million times it.s Petal.

How she hates that name, her Mum is a bit of a
new age hippy type. From my experience of
youth, I know she will grow to love her name as
she gets older, but right now she wishes she was
a boy with a boy.s name.

With a simple single word greeting for each of
the boy.s, “Alan, Jimmy”; and a nod to Martin,
Petal settles on the lawn and gives me a really
nice rub around the ears. I know Petal takes a
while to relax in any situation; it is almost like
she feels a little uncomfortable in her own skin,
but only at first, once relaxed she.s fine.

Petal announces. “Doug is calling for Lucy and
Nikki on his way round here”.

Alan asks “is Simon coming?”

Jimmy shouting in to the house loud enough for
his mum to hear, “Mum did you call Simon
Williams. Mum to see if he.s allowed over?”

Mandy walks into the garden carrying a large
plate of bread rolls, “I think he is allowed over

after his evening, prayers, although I don.t think
he will be allowed to stay”.

Martin chirps in with “poor old Simon he misses
out every time”.

Petal being a polite girl, asks “Do you need any
help Mrs Royale?”

Mandy smiles “yes please Petal, you are
considerate”.

Mandy gives the two boys a long look “You two
can get the sleeping bags out of the garage and
set up the tent sleeping arrangements, Jimmy
get the big camping light it.s in the cupboard at
the back”.

The smell of the Bar B Q is a heady mix of
burgers, sausages, and lovely pork ribs as the
drips of fat hits the hot coals with a hiss, the
smoke bellows and curls around Martins face.

“Mandy can I have a cold beer love? one from
the fridge would be great” requests a Smokey
eyed Martin.

From the kitchen in flash arrives the still helpful
Petal.

“Here you are Martin, is it alright if I call you
Martin” a flirty Petal asks.

Martin.s quick wit affords him the correct weight
of reply “If you.re bringing me a cold beer, you
can call me what you like”.

The rest of the gang piles into the garden Nikki,
Doug and Lucy.

“Simon.s on his way round we just saw him
coming out of the church, he signalled to us two
minutes”. Instructs Doug; Holding up two fingers
in a rude gesture victory sign.

I had to laugh.

Alan stands up and without any pre warning cries
out with a very loud; “WASSSUUUPPPP”.

Just like the Bud beer advert off of the TV, this is
immediately followed with each of the gang in
turn joining in with their own version of
“WASSSUUUPPP” the best shout of all, was the
sound of Simon coming around the side of the
garage with the loudest “WASSSUUUPPP”.

Jimmy was delighted all of the gang was here.
Summer had turned up at last; I finished off my
lamb chew, I had to remind myself just how life
feels great on days like this.

Chapter 5

The Bar B Q was a roaring success; Martin
entertained everyone with his impression of a
thunder bird with opened pita bread on his head,
whilst Mandy ran in and out of the kitchen with
fizzy drinks for the gang.

Everyone just laughed and squealed with delight
every time Jimmy went into a new character, he
copied the smallest of traits, from twitches and
looks to stances and the best traits of all the
voice.

Bradley didn.t surface and the gang let me join in
with all the usual games. Off ground touch was a
little out of my league and I have to admit no-
one really wanted me in their hide and seek
team. That is until it came to the seeking bit, if
you could be graded I would be a black belt,
what never fails to amaze me, is how rubbish
they all are at hiding, you can smell them a mile
off.

At 9.30 there was a beep outside, Simon knew it
was time to go, Jimmy knew from other times
there was no point in asking Simon.s dad if he
could stay.

His dad had a strange sickly smile and a voice
that seemed kind and considerate but he would
still say no, followed with a lame excuse like,

“We are busy tomorrow and Simon has to get up
early”.

The gang all said their goodbyes and with a
subdued “Wassuupp” Simon was gone.

Jimmy always kept his views to himself, however
on this occasion he could not keep his thoughts
in his mouth.

“I always thought it was a case of trying to keep
Simon away from people who did not follow such
a strict religious lifestyle, don.t you agree
Martin?.”

Martin stood for a while considering a suitable
response, then piped up with “God only knows”.

Alan added “yeah, you.re right”.

The gang carried on playing around for about an
hour after Simon had left. Martin and Mandy had
returned to the house to let the youngsters and
me play around in the dark. With a swish Martin
pulls open the patio door and enquires.

“What time are you lot getting your heads down?
Its gone 10.30 and the neighbours will be

complaining. I.ll have a deal with you, you lot get
settled and I.ll bring out hot chocolate drinks and
biscuits. What do you say”?

Jimmy looks at the gang and in a simultaneous
action they all nodded in agreement.

“Thank you Martin, you.re the best” Jimmy.s face
said it all.

Martin was looking more and more like his own
personal hero every day. I was really looking
forward to the next few hours, staying in the tent
was just as exciting at my age as it must have
been for Jimmy and his friends.

It didn.t take long for the aroma of the hot
chocolate to fill the inside of the tent, the light of
Friday was beginning to ebb away leaving the
early glow of summer evenings to come hinting
it.s arrival on the horizon.

Turning on the camp light, a strange shadow
dropped itself onto every ones face, Doug started
the evening.s proceedings.

“Did I ever tell you about scary Joan? You know
the weird old woman who lives in the bungalow
at the end of Bridge Street”.

I don.t know how he does it but Doug is teller of
tales like no one else, he can even change his
voice, not like Jimmy can, Jimmy can copy
anyone. Doug is more like a deep, gravely, slow,
and deliberate change created purely to frighten.

The gang began to visibly begin to tense; as the
story started they collectively moved in close.
Doug lowers his voice to almost a whisper.

“She had a son called Michael; he lived with her
in that dark run down house while he was
growing up.”

Doug pauses; being a master of suspense, Doug
stops and takes a sip of the thick creamy
chocolate.

“Come on, come on” cries Lucy.

“I hate it when you do that, get on with it”
agrees Alan.

Putting down his mug Doug looks up slowly.

By now darkness had spread its blanket over the
garden and engulfed the outside of the tent. The
glow from the camp light hardly seems to be
able to hold its own against the night. Shadows,
throwing strange shapes onto the interior of the
tent all add to the ambiance.

Doug continues “It is said he never went outside
during the day, at night you could see him
moving down the road from doorway to doorway,
staying in the half light of shadowy coves and
darkness”.

Petal, almost too frightened to speak asks,

“How old was he? Do you know what he looked
like?”

Lucy sits up and being quite a sturdily built
young lady, scornfully remark.s is this supposed
to be scary?”

I could tell it was working on Jimmy he had both
arms around my neck and was squeezing real
tight. Doug continues the story to its inevitable
conclusion, which usually means his voice,
disappears into almost no sound and at the
crucial point he shouts; with as scary a face as
he can muster, which only he can provide. I have
seen and heard him do this a hundred times, so
have the gang, but it.s a humdinger and it works.

From outside of the tent all that can be heard is
a burst of screams followed by the best sound in
the world, children.s laughter. At this point I
leave the tent for a short walk around the
perimeter, just as a security measure.

I returned to the tent and made myself
comfortable at Jimmy.s side looking out through
the tent door flap I could see Mandy and Martin
stood in the patio doorway, enjoying the evening
air and the children.s laughter.

The laughter subsides to a sman followed by,
Lucy announcing, “ Oh what rubbish”.

Mandy gently calls “does anyone need the loo?”

“No thank you” Is the collective reply.

Martin, bending down calls me over, “Harvey, we
are leaving the patio door unlocked so they can
get to the loo, don.t let anyone else in Ok!”

We have an understanding that has been forged
over many years Martin Knows I won.t let him
down. Still listening for any unwanted guests, I
walk back into the tent. The news from Martins
conversation with Mandy just gets better.

“I think we will do this again tomorrow we could
ask Bernie, Carol and Your Mike with whoever he
is with these days”.

“Do you think Barb and Brian would like to come
to a Bar B Q? Harvey.s not seen his old mate
Marvin for ages, It would be nice to see little

Laura too she was five last week”. A slightly
drunk Martin recalls.

Now this really did signify summer Mandy.s
Brother Mike is a real laugh the boy.s think he.s
great and Martin loves the fact he always arrives
with a nice looking girl on his arm. Mike is
Mandy.s younger brother; he is your typical
playboy type and nothing like their older sister
Barbra.

Sadly Barbra or barb to family and friends is no
barrel of laughs, now there is a straight laced
lady if ever I.ve met one. With Barb it is as she
says if you don.t like what I am saying then it is
your problem not hers.

The best thing about Barb is her husband Brian
he has a million jokes one for every occasion,
and he is the master to a fantastic mate of mine,
just the sort of dog you want on your side in a
sticky situation. My best mate Marvin, so called
after “Marvellous Marvin Haggler” another great
Boxer.

Following the hot choccy drink and the running
around, everybody fell asleep quite quickly, that
is all except Me, Jimmy and Alan.

The boys were lying facing each other with me in
the middle.

In a whispered voice Jimmy asks Alan, “Did you
hear about what happened today? I was
cornered by Aaron and Dillip,”

Alan lifts his head and rest.s it on his hand with
his elbow on the floor “I guessed something was
up when I saw you with the headmaster”.

“Yeah, I was in there for yonks, the head wanted
me to grass. I didn.t though” Jimmy answers.

“Did Aaron do that bruise?” Alan points to
Jimmy.s bruise.

“Wait till I get hold of him, he.ll be sorry and that
idiot Dillip”. Alan.s fist grips tight, followed by a
sinister grin.

Alan was really quite well built for a 12 year old
it must be because he had been boxing for the
past seven years at the Coliseum boxing club.

Jimmy looks Alan square in the eyes and says in
a serious voice “would you show me how to beat
Aaron? If I don.t stand up to him during the
holidays then he will carry on in school next year
it has to stop”.

Alan leans over and gives a firm shake of
Jimmy.s outstretched hand, “you.ve got it bro”.

I knew Jimmy could beat his enemy Aaron with
an army of Alan, Lucy, me and the gang, against
Aaron and Dillip no mates. The training would
need to start straight away, so the boy.s closed
their eyes and went to sleep.

Saturday was going to be the start of an exciting
week to come. I was up early with Petal, I didn.t
know what time it was but there was dew on the
grass of the lawn and the side of the tent was
running wet, never the less it was daylight.

I am certain Petal knew I needed to go to do my
business so grabbing a bag Petal walked me out
to the front of our house and onto the grass
verge on the opposite side of the road. Which
unknown to Petal was outside of Mr Abrahams
house. He is the old man from across the road, I
didn.t want to go there but you know what it.s
like when you have to go, I just hoped he didn.t
see me, that hope was short lived.

I positioned myself and got to the point of no
return, and then I heard, “Aaahh! Stop that, stop
at once”.

It was Mr Abrahams, red faced as usual, waving
his walking stick. Petal explained beautifully that
she would clear up any mess and did so.

Mr Abrahams for some reason didn.t recognise
me and he didn.t know Petal. He just shouted out
as he went back into his house. “You.re not from
round here, take your dog and let it do that
outside of your house, bloody dog.s mess”. It.s a
fair point I suppose.

On our return to the garden everybody was
stirring, not quite up and at em! More like warm
and cosy, like little caterpillars transforming in
their individual cocoons.

“I wonder what.s for breakfast” croak.s Lucy she
likes her food and so do the rest of the gang.

Alan jumps out of his sleeping bag and tells
Jimmy “move your butt, we.re going for a run,
remember my promise to you last night, it starts
before breakfast. Once round the park and back
before you know it”.

Jimmy is up trainers on and raring to go, “back
in a moment folks” Jimmy exclaims.

Nikki offers to explain to Jimmy.s Mum “I.ll say
Jimmy is in training to smash Aaron in the nose,
OK?”

Alan demands “Jimmy let.s go”

The pair starts off down the drive, “come on boy”
calls Jimmy and off I go, the last thing I need is
a run at this time of the day; but you have to
support your friends.

Half way around the block is a small patch of
ground with shrubs and trees around it and quite
secluded.

“Perfect “Alan decides.

Beginning to stretch from the waist Alan
continues, “This is our morning training outdoor
gym, put your hands up. Like this” Alan Lift.s his
hands making loose fists approximately head
height.

Alan really knows what he is doing when it
comes to defending himself, one leg slightly
forward and knee slightly bent, “balance is what
we are after”. Teaches Alan.

Jimmy nods and copies exactly. Alan makes two
fists and starts to teach Jimmy a simple one, two
punch technique, Ready Alan calls

“Straight to the nose with the left front hand
quickly withdraw and straight to the nose with
the right hand”.

Alan begins a repetitive regime. Within no time
Jimmy is looking like a boxer left, right, left and
right again.

After five minutes or so Alan says “that.s enough
for today you did well, when you have the
chance, do some arm curls with a bit of weight
and press-ups”.

The boys take off again to finish the circuit
around the block, I knew Jimmy was serious
about this, he punched out his lefts and rights all
the way back.

The final 100 metres was a sprint finish, I don.t
like to boast but they had no chance I might be
old but I can out run the boys, well four legs
even mine are better than two, as I ran up the
drive I couldn.t help but think I will pay for this
later.

Saturday Mornings are full of Music, the radio
blasts out Radio2, starting with music, sounds of
the 60.s and then Jonathon Ross messing about
and Making Martin laugh out loud. Mandy can
only join in this event on the days she doesn.t
work which is when the boy.s don.t see their real
dad. The good news is this is a no-dad week and
Jimmy is over the moon.

Like a bear with a sore head Bradley walks into
the garden, and Oh! He does not look well. If his
eyes squinted any more from the morning sun
light he would not be able to see at all.

Bradley demands to know what.s going on,
“Jimmy what are all these rug rats doing here?”

Jimmy reminds his degenerate brother of the Bar
B Q and for a laugh starts to detail the left over
mess.

“Bradley mate take a look at the cold white fat
that has congealed on the fly covered meat, with
the maggots crawling all over”.

Bradley jumps to his feet and desperately looks
around for the nearest place to be sick, holding
his right hand over his mouth Bradley starts to
heave his breathing becomes deep and quickens,
his eyes begin to pour with water and as for his
colour, I can only say what colour, he.s off
running into the house followed by a hail of
laughter from Jimmy and his friends, and a good
measure of barking from yours truly.

Gathering up their sleep over bags the girls pop
into the house and thank Martin and Mandy for
letting them stay.

“You are welcome”, Mandy tells them, and
reinforces the statement with “you are a credit to
your parents and I will make sure I tell them
when I see them at the fruit and vegetable
shop”.

Lucy, Nikki and Petal all make their way to the
drive, Petal jumping onto her BMX disappears in
a flash with a howling “wasssuuuppp” Nikki and
Lucy just wave and walk off in the direction of
home.

The day was bright and full of birdsong;
something I hadn.t noticed for a while, sitting
down on the drive was quiet and peaceful apart
from the sound of a distant lawnmower being put
through its paces.

I was miles away when I began to hear a
dreamlike voice from afar; you know the one
where as you gradually tune back into reality you
realise the voice is aimed at you.

“What are you doing without a lead; I.m calling
the dog warden, It.s you from earlier you.re the
Messer and now you.re doing it on their drive”. It
was Mr Abrahams.

His face looks like it.s going to turn into a
supernova or more like a Red Giant star just
before it finally implodes.

“Hello John, its OK I.ll take him in now, calm
yourself down” Martin arrived just in time to
explain.

Taking hold of my ID collar we turn and go back
into the house. Martin quietly laughs, “his sight
has got just as bad as Mr McGoo, he didn.t know
who you were boy, did he?”

I just stayed quiet, Mr Abrahams may not of
remembered that I lived across the road, but he
knew what I had done on his grass verge.

Every other Saturday afternoon was mainly
spent lounging around or watching Mandy
endlessly clearing up after everyone; Later
Martin returned from the butchers and off license
just as he did yesterday, stocked to the brim
with a more adult assortment of Bar B Q party
necessaries. Mandy looking around the door from
the downstairs loo which she is preparing for the
guests to use, asks.

“What have you bought all that for? Everyone
will bring drinks as well”.

Martin shakes his head and with a smile answers
“good, I hope they do the spongers, would you
like a drinkypoos? Darling”.

Mandy smirks a weak smile and concedes.”Ok I.ll
have a white wine please, it is a little early”, she
stalls and then picks up again with “Darling. Oh
my word, I have forgotten to call Mum! I might
have to go and pick her up, bugger!” panics
Mandy,

Martin calmly walks over to the phone calls
Nanny Kate arranges the time and grabs the car
keys, and all before the headless panic monger,
that is our lovely Mandy has even found her hair
brush.

“I.m off love” Martin shouts up the stairs.

I am certain he only does it to wind his wife up.

“What do you mean off? Off where, I have just
told you that I will have to get Mum”.

Jimmy pops up from the kitchen doorway where
he has been watching the madness with Alan and
Doug, “I told you boy.s; all women are mental,
Martin is going to pickup Nan it.s all arranged”
Jimmy lets his Mum in on the secret.

“Oh, Mandy by the way, your wine is on the
kitchen worktop, loves you; see you in a Mo” and
Martin is out of the door.

What a fiasco all that just to get to the eating of
the pork rib bones, it is a wonder I bother to get
involved at times.

“Mum should I feed Harvey?” Jimmy asks.

Should I feed him, should I feed him, of course
you should feed me what sort of question is that?
So I barked up the stairs tell him Mandy to feed
me.

“Yes please Jimmy love; and not to many
biscuits, he.ll be eating crap at the BARBEE
later”.

I was disgusted “crap” I will not be eating crap,
what does she think I am a dust bin? Doug,
Jimmy, Alan and I all decide to go out for a while
whilst everyone arrives and starts up the Bar B
Q.

It is nice for Jimmy that his best friends are
allowed to stay another night, it is just sad that
Simon is not coming over.

“It looks like we won.t be seeing much of Simon
this summer, he said yesterday he.s going on a
pilgrimage to the Middle East for five weeks with
his whole family” announces Doug.

“What is one of those?” asks Jimmy “a
pilscrimmage? Or whatever you called it”.

Alan may only be a few months older than the
other two boys, but somehow he seems a little
worldlier “it is a religious calling, a chance to get
closer to their God, I think?”

Doug spitting out his chewing gum and sniffing
like a snotty noised kid say.s in his tough voice,
“stuff that, I.d rather be with you lot, than do all
that malarkey.

The boys agreed and begin to take off back to
the Bar B Q.

Chapter 6

Before we even got into the garden and above
the excellent smell of the ribs, chicken, and lamb
chops. I could just make out a familiar odour,
slightly musty, a bit dusty, and definitely Boxer, I
knew it, it must be, it had to be, my old best
buddy Marvin. I began to bark my head off and
there was no stopping me.

From around the back of our house I could hear
him barking “Harvey, Harvey is that you?”
Marvin called.

I rounded the corner of the house and there he
was straining at his lead trying desperately to get
forward. The greeting was electric we circled and
sniffed each other for what seemed like ages, I
could tell he was in good health and he knew
without me saying a word, my back legs have
been giving me trouble.

Suddenly he stopped dead, looked at me then
without moving his head, his eyes moved to the
left and down. I thought strange? Then he did it
again? Twice in quick succession, it dawned on
me what he was up too and without moving my
head I looked to my right, on the lawn just a few
feet away was the pulling game thingy, hooray
he had brought it with him.

Like lightening both of us went for it.

Brain shouts “Marvin, stop pulling” it was too late
we were in combat mano e mano, teeth locked
onto the strongest rubber pulling game thingy in
the world, with a growl and a saliva snarl the
match was on.

Marvin being only 9 years old and built like
concrete, you.d think he would be able to pull me
off of my feet. However, I was playing this with
Martin before Marvin was even born, the secret is
balance and changing direction mixed with a
sudden snap of the head and BINGO I have the
pull game thingy.

Brian reaches over and releases the clip on
Marvin.s studded collar, we are free to run, jump
and generally mess about.

Mandy opens the patio door to its full width; the
music from the lounge is loud enough to make
everyone start to move, some sway others tap
their feet, whatever they did it told me this was
going to be a party and not just a Bar B Q.

That was important to Jimmy and his friends,
because it was always great fun for Jimmy to
watch the adults enjoy themselves, even to get
drunk, which would then lead to stupid garden
games Jimmy and his friends could join in with

and all within the safety of his real home, the
only place where Jimmy felt drinking adults and
children could mix safely.

Jimmy taking his glass of cola off of the patio
table pulls on the hem of Alan.s shirt “hey mate,
last time I went to one of these parties, it was
over dad.s house. It was nothing short of a
nightmare, he got really drunk and started
trouble with some blokes he invited from the
pub.

Me and Bradley had to go to Brenda.s sisters
because the Police were called.

“That won.t happen here.” Notes a confident
Alan!

Alan put his hand on Jimmy.s shoulder, and
simply replied, “I.ve been there mate, only I
don.t live with another parent”.

It was then I thought all people must have trials
and tribulations to overcome; we were no
different at the Royale.s household.

Midway through the evening car headlights
flashed through the gap between the house and
garage, and then flashed two or three times
almost like a warning or an announcement of an
arrival, with a BUMPH, BUMPH, BUMPH from fully

loaded speakers, muffled only by the car door
being closed, Mandy and Jimmy shout out in
stereo.

“It.s Uncle Mike”.

Brian looks at Martin giving him a quick dig in
the ribs with his elbow followed by a wink, “I
wonder if he.s alone? Or has he brought us some
new eye candy” They both laugh.

Brian should have watched what he was saying,
Barb was stood right behind him sorting out their
daughter Laura.s shoe buckle and she saw and
heard everything.

“Oh! So that.s why we are here is it?” enquires
the now irate Auntie Barbra, “So, I am not eye
candy enough for you, is that it”.

Brian screws up his face in recognition of his
being caught out, quickly followed by his
laughter buddy Martin moving away from the
scene of the crime.

Brian slowly turning and cleverly taking a small
flower from the vase on the table, drops to one
knee, and reaffirms “My love thou art without
doubt my moon and sun, without you I am
merely a man”.

With his head bowed offers up the stolen flower.

“Get up you idiot, you.ll get grass stains on your
knees, you fool” Barbs smiles, and takes the
flower. Brian stands and gives her a kiss on the
cheek.

Everyone can.t help but stop and look at Mike.s
new flame, as the tall, slim but busty vixen walks
into view and wow what a view. The men all
sucked in their considerable bellies, in a single
synchronised whoosh. And I must say so did the
ladies, Mike popping his head around the wall
Just says

” This is Gina, she.s a glamour Model”.

Martin and Brian head up the wild bunch, the
wide eyed gaggle of men who surged forward to
make their acquaintance with the magnificent
Gina.

Mandy, taking a bowl of salad over to the group
of whispering ladies who were talking to each
other, but looking at Gina and the newly formed
husband scrum that had developed around her.

Mandy sarcastically jokes “Skinny cow”.

They all sman and one by one call back their
dribbling hyper active significant others, as if

they were calling back a sheep dog. I half
expected to hear a whistle and “HERE BOY, CUM
BY”.

Jimmy and his friends were having a good time
right up until Bradley returned about 10:30 with
his friend Kevin Tucker; I thought here we go
watch them spoil the evening.

Kevin always looked as if he was about to say
something but couldn.t quite get the words out,
his eyes were too far apart for my liking and he
has a haircut, which must have been done by the
same man Martin gets his meat off of.

“Hello Kevin, I am a bit drunk” slurs Mandy;

“get yourself a drink boys but no alcohol. Bradley
can.t take it”. Laughs a wobbly Mandy

Mandy takes to party with a stagger and a laugh.
Taking a full bottle of cola out of the fridge
Bradley and Co disappears up stairs to play on
the PS2. I hoped that would be it from him again
this evening.

A first class party ensued that continued well into
the early hours with lighter music and a lot of
laughter. Unfortunately Mandy did not last the
evening and had to retire to bed followed by cat
calls of “light weight”.

Gina and Mike slopped off after about an hour,
Mike said he had to go to another party. Nanny
Kate who had been extremely quiet spent the
rest of the evening in the kitchen with her arms
in the sink washing up.

Brian and Barb just sat chatting to Martin and
drinking anything they could find; Mr and Mrs
Knowles, from number 23 joined in and told
endless stories about their holidays in Egypt.

Marvin was out for the count with Doug asleep
on the grass with his head on Marvin.s chest.
Alan fell asleep in the tent leaving me with
Jimmy sat up against the fence looking back
across the patio.

Jimmy said “what a great day Harvey; I.m ready
for bed How about you?” I didn.t need to be
asked twice.

Giving Doug a quiet nudge, Jimmy points to the
tent as says “go to sleep in the tent mate”.

Doug staying on all fours crawled into his
sleeping bag, I really don.t think he actually
woke up. Jimmy decides that.s it for today.

“Goodnight everyone, Uncle Brian Marvin.s with
us OK”.

A blurry eyed Brian turns on his chair and after
an effort to refocus says something along the
lines of,

“Ok, Zimmy, We get slim in tho moanin”. And
with Stan Laurel smiles turns back to the table.

Jimmy was a sleep in no time, I was tired and
had to strain to stay awake, trying to hear the
uttering.s of Martin explaining to Barb how he
wished Jimmy was his own flesh and blood, Barb
was agreeing.

“Bradley is a different story” Martin point.s out.

“He is his own person and has a stronger tie with
his dad”.

“Which is quite right, he does”. Brian adds.

“That.s right”, Barb puts in her final thought
before retiring for the night.

“I think we would be kidding ourselves, if we
think for a second that Jack Coburn would ever
agree to any changes like that, I mean we are
talking adoption aren.t we?”. Barb disappears
into the house.

Martin did not answer; he just lowered his head,
which means he must have agreed.

Brian suddenly jumps to his feet, “Oh my God,
where is Laura?”

Barb leans around the patio door and demands
that Brain, sits back down and with a voice of
quiet controlled anger grinds out the words.

”She went to bed at eight O.clock you drunken
bum, that shows how much notice you take of
our daughter, I.m off to bed. In the back
bedroom Martin?”.

Martin?” Yes I think so “, was the uncertain
reply.

“I will sort Brian out”. Promises Martin.

I gently fell to sleep.

Early next morning Alan wakes me up by
stepping over my outstretched body, shaking
Jimmy on the shoulder he whispers.

“Get up we.ve got training, I.ll wait for you on
the drive”.

Unzipping the tent Alan steps outside. I didn.t go
this time my legs are still throbbing from all the
playing with Marvin, which was the right choice
as they were gone for at least 2 hours.

When they both came jogging around the corner,
it was clear the training was much more intense,
by the worn-out look on Jimmy.s face.

“Right I.m off home” signals Alan.

Alan spins on his heels and is off like a human
dynamo.

Mandy trots out from the house “Hello love did
you have fun last night? Doug.s gone home he
said call him later. Have you seen those two in
the tent? I think Harvey is awake, last time I
looked he was licking Marvin.s ears. It must be
love”.

Charming I thought.

The garden was a mess, bits of salad, bread rolls
and half eaten chops, strewn across the lawn.

The smell of stale beer wafted in the morning air.

“Good morning Mum” Mandy greets Nanny Kate.

“Thanks for tidying up last night; I don.t think I
could have faced it this morning. It.s bad enough
out here. I think we are going to the Market later
do you want to come with us?” enquires Mandy.

Nanny zips around the garden picking up all the
bits and pieces “No, I think I.ll make my way

back home, and watch a nice film this
afternoon”.

Mandy must have half expected that reply.

Barbra, carrying three mugs of coffee onto the
patio calls out “coffee break, girls take five”.

It seemed about right as sods law goes, that the
ones who stayed up late and drank the most
were nowhere to be seen when it came to the big
clean up.

I wondered why the ladies didn.t get them up to
help, and then all became clear.

“Jimmy, go and have a nice shower love before
everyone else needs the bathroom” advises
Mandy.

The three ladies sit at the newly cleaned patio
table, sipping their coffee and surveying the
areas left to attack. Barbra leans in to talk
quietly, Nan and Mandy instinctively seemed to
know this and lean in too.

“What” Nan asks “.

“According to Brian, Martin wants to adopt
Jimmy; he was talking to me about it last night
before I went up. He carried on about it for ages,

and after on his own with Brian”. The informed
Barb recalls.

Mandy sits back in astonishment, looking at her
Mum for a reaction.

Mandy questions “why didn.t he say anything to
me? What about Bradley?”.

Barb puts her mind at rest and details what was
said in the early drunken hours.

Mandy looked as if she didn.t know what to make
of the comments, but she is clever enough to
know not to over react, not all information
deserves immediate action.

Nanny Kate wisely advises her youngest
daughter. “Wait and see what happens”.

Isn.t it strange that after a great weekend, the
week seems somewhat more bearable? The
training intensified and Alan true to his word
came round to call every morning. Jimmy very
quickly combined his ability to act with his newly
acquired boxing skills.

In fact he was quite convincing as a hard case,
when practising in front of his bedroom mirror,
on what he might say and do when or if he is
called upon to fight Aaron or Dillip.

By Thursday Jimmy was beginning to focus on
his real demon. This was Dad week! Mandy had
learned to spot the early signs of change in
Jimmy.s behaviour; the opposite could be said of
Bradley who was already getting excited by the
upcoming weekend at his dad.s.

Martin looks over at a pensive Jimmy, sat on the
sofa and staring out of the lounge window, with a
faraway look, enquires.

“Rocky, how.s the boxing going? Do you fancy
showing me your stuff; out in the garden”.

Jimmy shakes his head without looking round to
Martin.

“What.s wrong me old mate? Are you worried
about Aaron?” Jimmy looks and with a smile
makes a personal breakthrough.

“No, I was worried” Jimmy states. “Now I.m not”.

Lightening up a little Jimmy continues “Alan has
shown me that I can punch straight and fast”.

Martin congratulates Jimmy on his new found
skills, along with his strength of character, and
makes a second guess.

“Is your visit to see dad on Saturday worrying
you?”

Jimmy.s face gives his feelings away; I guess it.s
the failing of an actor; the good ones wear their
heart on their sleeves.

His dad has almost become his nemesis, Instead
of seeing the visit as a chance to be with his real
dad, it is almost like he is preparing for battle,
with no real understanding of what or who he
was fighting, all in a situation he is
uncomfortably unfamiliar in.

Jimmy decides this is an opportunity not to be
missed and opens up to Martin, “Can someone
please explain to me why it is dad and Brenda
are so horrible to me?

I don.t want to play with the twins and they have
a stinky cat called Sly, why do I have to go?”

Martin listens to Jimmy and begins to formulate a
plan in his mind, I could tell by the look in his
eyes, the cogs were in motion.

Chapter 7

It had become obvious to Mandy and Martin
something had to be done, Jimmy was Ok for
now but it wouldn.t take much to start a
permanent personality crisis. It seemed clear to
all, Jimmy could not understand, in his young
mind why he had to visit someone who continued
to be a stranger to him.

Martin decides it is time to take action, “Mandy
let.s take into account all of Jimmy.s strengths
and start him off on a summer camp, not for the
whole summer just a few weeks. Something like,
Thornton Manor television workshop”. Martin
broadcasts to Mandy.

I began to see the thinking behind his statement
and whilst I would miss Jimmy, It will allow him
some respite from Bradley, Aaron and his dad
plus it will be a great opportunity to practise his
acting skill.

“Well what do you think?” Martin enquires of his
now worried wife.

Mandy thinks for a while “let.s put it to Jimmy,
his opinion is important and his decision has to
be final”.

Martin nods in absolute agreement “I.ll call the
Manor tomorrow and see when the next course
starts, I think they run fortnightly; if they are the
same as last year they will be any time from
when school ends until August.”

First thing next day, Martin calls the Manor and
explains that he is the guardian of a very
talented young actor.

“I cannot say that will be Ok” Martin replies to
the person he is talking to on the phone

“Hold the line please I.ll find out” Martin places
his hand over the mouth piece, and calls out.

“Mandy, Mandy quick come into the lounge,
please”.

Mandy runs in drying her hands in a tea towel,
“what is it, I am trying to do Breakfast”.

Martin responds with a quizzed look on his face
“I.ve got the Manor on the phone; they say we
should have received a letter, Mrs Price wrote to
them a month ago about a gifted boy in her
Drama class and guess what? It.s Jimmy.
Somehow we didn.t get the letter they are
expecting him on Saturday” Martin.s face was a
beamer.

“Well what shall I tell them?” An emotional
Martin asks.

Mandy stands in the middle of the lounge and
biting her bottom lip Says “Ask what time and
how much will it cost? You know; get the
details”.

Mandy calls Jimmy from up stairs “can you come
down here love, we.ve got to tell you some good
news”.

I could tell that Mandy didn.t think it was all good
news, she knew better than anyone Jimmy would
not agree at first. You see he is the sort of boy
that needs a bit of a run up to change, just like
his Mum.

Martin finishes the call with “I.ll look out for the
e-mail and thank you so very much” Martin puts
down the phone, in an effort to reassure Mandy
says.

“what a nice lady, she can.t wait to meet the
gifted one”.

Jimmy walks into the room with his eyes fixed
firmly on his Nintendo DS, thumbs a flame,
rolling his shoulders in time with the all action
racing game he is playing.

“Yep! What is it Mum?” Jimmy half heartedly
asks.

Mandy gently turns off the DS and closes the lid,
“you can play that in a minute. We have had to
make a few calls, and there is a chance you
won.t be going over your dads this weekend, or
next time either”.

Almost before she can finish the sentence
Jimmy.s face is building up into a mega smile, I
couldn.t help but think this is little misleading?
Martin sits back and takes over the explanation.

“Jimmy sit down a minute, what your Mum is
trying to say is that, we have always known you
have talent, what with your acting club and the
reports we have had from Mrs Price. The thing is
we didn.t know how good you were. That is until
now, that was Thornton Manor television
workshop, on the phone; and they want you to
go to the Manor to work with the experts, so you
can.t go over your dads”.

Jimmy.s early facial response was quickly
waning. All I could think was, come on Jimmy
break the mould don.t be frightened, go for it.

Jimmy thought long and hard, Mandy sat on the
arm of the sofa lovingly running her fingers
through his hair.

“We will all miss you, but it is a chance in a
million”. The words came from the reassuring
voice of his loving Mum.

Martin started to rattle off all the names of the
famous TV celebs who had all trained at the
Manor.

“There.s Buddy Wilson from Catch me up; you
love that program, Stella G, that singer you like.
Mallard and James you.ve got all their DVD.s; do
you understand what a chance this is Jimmy?”
Martin pleads.

Jimmy still thinking, looks up and with a great
big smile shouts out “can I tell Nanny, can I call
her now?”

Mandy and Martin let out a sigh that was almost
a cartoon PHEW!!! The two frightened parents
embraced, Mandy placed her head on Martin.s
chest.

“He.ll be Ok, won.t he; he.ll be safe, yeah?”
Mandy asks.

Martin gave an extra tight squeeze and confirms.

“This will be the making of him, lookout world
Jimmy.s coming”.

Picking up the phone Jimmy sets about calling
his Nanny, just as Bradley enters the room and
asks “what.s all the commotion about?”

Martin puts his index finger to his lips and say.s
“SHHHH! Listen and you.ll find out. No snide
remarks he needs your support, alright”

Jimmy nods his call is answered “Hello Nanny,
it.s me, me James Nan, you will never guess
what. I-am-going-to” Jimmy pauses between
each word for added impact “THORNTON MANOR
TELEVISION WORKSHOP” well it.s a wonder
Jimmy could hear after Nan.s ear splitting
scream blasted down the phone, quickly followed
by his Nan.s decision.

“I.m coming over see you in a minute, well done,
you are my little star.

Bradley instead of jumping for joy, or asking a
question, he just gave that look; the one Mandy
hates because it makes him look just like his
dad.

I could feel the one question on his mind
beginning to boil, pushing its way to the front of
his tongue.

“Did he asked our dad, it.s his week this week, if
dad says no, Jimmy ain.t gonna be goin
anywhere”.

I thought Martin was going to slap him; instead
he just looked at Jimmy who on hearing this
news looked as if his world had fallen in and said
“you are going, I promise”.

Mandy turns to Bradley to point out a few home
truths.

“When your father stops ducking and diving his
responsibilities, and owns up to the authorities
where he is living and who he is living with,
along with certain employment details which he
has failed to supply the Child support agency;
then he can have his say until then he can butt
out”.

Martin.s voice commands “We decide what you
and your brother can and cannot do”.

Martin looks at Jimmy and says “do you want to
tell your dad or me?”

Jimmy picks up the phone and says “I will”.

Jimmy.s conversation with his dad was the first
time in a long time, Martin and Mandy had heard
at firsthand how difficult Jimmy found it to be
honest about his needs and feelings with his
father.

Jimmy started off with a good question “Hello
dad, are we doing anything this weekend?” It
became obvious straight away his father had
already bought the tickets for Bradley and
himself to go Monster truck racing.

Jimmy struck for home. “Well if you.re going
truck racing I.m going to stay over here if that.s
OK?”

Martin realising Jimmy was beginning to struggle
put his hand on his shoulder and gave it a little
reassuring squeeze.

“Yes but dad, I have all my friends over here,
Yes but! Dad I want to stay over here, I know
she does but Brenda will have the twins for
company, but dad”.

At the last “But dad”

Mandy had heard enough, “give me the phone,
hello Jack it.s Mandy! Why do you insist on giving
him a hard time when you won.t even be there?
He is desperately trying to help you understand,

so listen; Bradley will be ready for you to pick
him up at 11 O.clock as per, Jimmy is going off
to summer camp, he will call when he gets
back.”

Mandy says good bye and putting down the
phone breathes a sigh of relief.

I though it odd Jack just listened and didn.t
speak back, perhaps it was because Mandy didn.t
give him the chance, from what I had heard
about him, it was probably more likely he was
quiet because he was sober.

“Well that wasn.t too bad after all, he now
understands. If he says anything to you Bradley
tell dad to call me” Mandy throws her tea towel
over her metaphorically broadened shoulders and
returned to the kitchen leaving Jimmy, Martin,
Bradley and me flabbergasted.

Martin follows Mandy out of the room with his
eyes and instructs the boy.s “never mess with
your Mum, she can really be scary”.

The front door fly.s open and Nanny.s voice and
perfume enter the house simultaneously.

“Where is he? My little star and his handsome big
brother” diplomatic Nanny calls out.

Everyone makes their way into the kitchen,
Mandy throws the switch on the kettle and
everyone starts to speculate on what adventures
Thornton Manor might bring.

Everyone that is except Bradley, he just stands
in the doorway with his hands above his head
holding onto the overhead door frame.

Nanny asks her biggest grandson, “what is it
love? It can.t be jealousy at your age. I can tell
when you.re not happy. So spill the beans” Nan
laughs at her poor attempt at young talk.

Nanny and Bradley leave the others and go and
sit in the lounge on the sofa. Nan is a clever
woman who has had a wealth of life experience,
so if I were to speak to someone or if I needed to
ask advice Nanny Kate is the person I would
speak to, that is if I wasn.t a dog.

Bradley begins by taking a deep breath and
almost starts off with a threat.

“Dad won.t leave it there, if they think they.ve
beat my dad they are mistaken”.

Nan recognises the problem straight away, and
so did I, Bradley was standing in defence of his
father, this is a quite normal thing to do, but it
was misplaced loyalty in this particular situation.

Nan needed to help him understand that his
feelings are perfectly alright.

Nan smiles and starts the conversation with a
simple fictional situation.

“If you were over at your dads and Brenda
started to say horrible things about your Mum,
what would you do?”

Nan sitting back in the sofa waits for an answer.

I don.t know exactly what Nan expected as an
answer, but it wasn.t the one she got.

Bradley answered “Nothing”.

Nan repeats his answer.

“Nothing”

Nanny begins the lesson,

“What the hell do you mean nothing? So you
would defend your dad, who has never
attempted to support you financially, or
emotionally, gets drunk, swears and couldn.t
even name your best friend.

However, you.re Mum who loves and protects
you, clothes you, provides a roof over your head
and Martin who has asked you to start work with

him next week with wages from day one. You
would not defend? You had better explain
yourself young man”.

A massive intake of air back into Nan.s lungs
concludes the single breath subdued rant.

Nan.s face by now was purple; she said
everything she had to say without raising her
voice once. I think it was done deliberately so
not to alarm everyone who were still in the
kitchen.

Nanny tapping her foot impatiently asks again.

“Come on Bradley, explain your thinking to me
please, help me understand how a Monster truck
ticket costing £15.00 every two weeks makes up
for 10 years of nothing else from your father,
you don.t even get a phone call in-between the
fortnightly visits”.

Bradley had to admit his dad could try harder,
but that.s how it is. Nan stands up and with a
wag of her finger and highly polished nail insists.

”Do not ever take sides against your Mum with
anyone, especially your dad. He is using you as a

pawn in his long lasting silly games, don.t be part
of it”.

As nanny left the room, Bradley dropped his
head in his hands, I had to go to him, he needed
someone, he seemed confused and all of his
emotions were swirling around in his adolescent
head.

Chapter 8

11 o.clock Saturday Morning and Bradley is sat
on the sofa waiting for his dad to arrive to take
him to the stadium for some Monster truck
action. His air horn in hand with a full
compressed air can attached and ready to fire.

“What.s the time” Bradley asks for the twentieth
time, looking out of the lounge window.

Martin warns the now agitated Bradley “do not
fire off that horn you will frighten the dog, not
even on the way out, OK?”

By 11:30 Martin calls Bradley who by now is
outside playing with his basket ball.

“Do you want to call your dad; it.s nearly twenty-
five to”.

Bradley throws his last basket and jogs into the
lounge. “Yes please, he is a bit late”. Bradley.s
polite response instructs.

Bradley was about a minute into his call, when it
became clear his dad was not coming. Putting
down the phone Bradley offers up the only
explanation he was given,

“He.s gone with the twins instead”.

Martin.s face was a picture, “he.s done what?
What is he like? He.s done this purely out of
spite. Oh Bradley mate I am so sorry”. Martin
apologises.

Martin decides to try his best to explain to the
deflated Bradley.

“Look mate your dad is trying to prove a point, I
am not sure what that point is, other than to say
he has another family now and so he doesn.t
have to rely on his old one? It really doesn.t
make sense to me and I am sure it won.t make
sense to you either”.

Martin concludes his statement.

“Remember one thing both of you, your Mum
and me are here for you whenever you need us
and that goes for the both of you”.

It is weird how some kids can take things in their
stride, Bradley pulls out his mobile phone and
sends a text, within a few seconds he receives a
reply.

“Martin, I.m out of here Ok, I.ll be back at 10
tonight, Jimmy you go for it at that Manor mate
and have the best time. Laters.” And Bradley is
out the door and gone.

Martin shakes his head in disbelief with a wry
grin on his face;

“I think we may have turned a corner today” he
said out loud to himself.

Jimmy and Martin run upstairs, I just sat at the
bottom of the stairs listening, well I am a bit
nosey but my legs hurt too much to go up stairs
again.

Martin sits at the computer and confirms to
Jimmy. “The E-mail has arrived, from the Manor;
we can start packing now”.

Printing off the letter it reads as follows:-

Thornton Manor TV
Workshop

Mr Simmons principle coach RA. B.A.F.T.A.

Invitation reference MS/2002/June/0121

Invite awarded to: - Master James Coburn

Mr and Mrs M Royale

20 Brecon Drive

Dalton

Brigstowe

BG34 8TL

Dear Mr and Mrs Royale

It has been brought to our attention that your son J. Coburn
has a leaning towards acting. We are always looking for
“GIFTED” young people to work with our team. The cost for
this course is normally £700.00 plus expenses, however in
view of the glowing report we have had from an ex-student
known to you as Mrs Price head of drama at James’s school,
we are waiving this fee. We will expect James at 6PM on the
1st JULY (Saturday), enclosed on separate sheet is the full
itinerary and a list of what James will need to bring with him.

Kindest Regards

JJ Simmons Mr J J Simmons

Jimmy taking the list from the printer looks at
Martin and worriedly says.

“I haven.t half of these things.

Dance shoes? Tap and jazz.

A favourite poem to act out! Oh no, I don.t know
any poems”.

The panic was beginning to set in with only a few
hours to the off.

Martin spins around on his office style computer
chair.

Like a military captain Martin orders Jimmy.

“Stop that silly worrying, you sound just like your
Mum. First we will use the Computer to find a
poem you like and you can spend your time
learning it.

While you.re doing that in the car, we can go into
town, they have everything at Hartman.s
Department store, and they are bound to have
what we need there.”

Jimmy.s voice lightened at the news, and
immediately started to search the net for a poem
he liked, whilst Martin shaved and started to get
ready.

An excited shout of “I found it and its great”
came from Martins bedroom.

Hooray I thought Jimmy has his poem, Martin
explains to Jimmy how print it off and the duo

were ready to hit the town armed with the list,
Jimmy.s poem and the most important item of
all, Martins wallet.

The multi storey car park was jam packed, all I
could see from the back window were hot sweaty
faces of people in their car.s, all jostling for
position ready to jump into the next available
parking spot.

Jimmy was concentrating on the poem reading it
over and over in his head, moving his lips only
slightly and then looking up to the roof lining and
recounting the last sentence in an attempt to
learn it off by heart. I could only watch in awe of
his memory skills. Martin was his usual laid back
self, he knew that eventually a space would
appear near to where his was stopped as long as
held his nerve, and he was correct.

We all walked out of the cark park onto the main
shopping street and it was busy, I knew the drill
as soon as we got to Hartman.s store Martin can
tie me up at the dog park next to the main door.

Mr Hartman must really like dogs he even makes
certain there is fresh water placed down near the
dog park. The main entrance is always manned
by the immaculately dressed doorman, his top
hat made of high quality grey velvet and with its
distinctive red stripe matched only by his long
fitted coat, which must have made him hot in
this early summer weather.

“Good morning Sir, may I help look after your
handsome dog” the well groomed
Commissionaire enquires.

Martin handing him my lead answers “Thank you,
you are most kind”.

Jimmy looks at the commissionaire and quietly
asks “you will look after Harvey, he is very old”

I thought I am not that old, anybody would think
that I am a fossil.

Sitting outside waiting for them to come back,
was a real pleasure, some people stop and speak
others just walk by. I just people watched, as the
sun shone the world went past me at what
seemed like a hundred miles an hour.

Eventually, I saw Jimmy coming out of the
entrance, as he walked past the commissionaire
Jimmy simply said “thank you, sir”.

The doorman replied “you are welcome, and may
I say you are a very polite young man”.

Jimmy was delighted to see me and made certain
I was alright before undoing my tied lead and
joining Martin at the edge of the pavement.

“We.ve got everything we need, now let.s go and
get your Mum from work; do you know your
poem yet? Martin asks Jimmy.

Jimmy offers a big grin and confirms his answer,
with a double blink and a head nod for yes.

Martin led us both back to the car and once in,
he begins to buckle up and set his mirror inside
the car, I think it is to make certain his sun
glasses look right, and is nothing at all to do with
driving safety.

Starting the engine Martin springs a sudden “Ok,
let.s hear the poem”.

Jimmy was chuffed; you could see it all over his
face. Not only was Martin helping him, he really
was interested, and to be given the chance to
show his memory skills, and especially to Martin
who unlike his real dad always showed an
interest; Jimmy liked the way Martin always gave
really good constructive advice.

Jimmy takes a breath just as the car is started
off and begins with an explanation.

“I chose this poem because if I have to act it out
on my own, I can play all of the characters and it
should be a good showcase, on the other hand if
we are working in groups then it gives everyone
the same size piece to learn and will help me
make friends at the Manor. Martin nods in
agreement and replies.

“I.m Impressed”.

“Well I hope you like it” Jimmy begins,

“The poem is called.

The Meeting

By Sparky

Simon got his mate’s together on the fateful day,

When he opened up his mouth,

They were surprised what he had to say.

He started in a quiet voice,

With his eye’s set to the ground,

And started to babble on about

“How dogs can hear high sounds”.

Then Simon took a great big breath

And tightened up his lips

Pulled his teeth together

Then the boys all heard some clicks

The sounds just got louder,

As loud as they had heard

In fact is was so loud

Simon killed a bird.

Thomas then stood forward

He said this meeting is a mess

I want to tell you all right now, what I can do the best

It all began in school one day, when the kid in front was tall

I concentrated all my thoughts

And saw right through the wall.

Philip who had been quiet said

I am joining in this game,

Nodded several times

Then his hair burst into flame.

We’ve got the making of a team

The boys had to agree

With powers and brains like we have

It’s plain for all to see.

Now we need mission

A purpose if you like

And if we’re going to get around

We are going to need bike.

We must be certain who the villain is`

If we’re going to stop a crime

So let’s work out our roles in this

And keep one eye on the time

If I’m late home for tea tonight

My mum she will go mad,

I’ll be kept in for a week,

By my new step dad.

Simon said that’s it for now let’s call the meeting closed

So all the team stood side by side in a hero’s pose”

“WOW”.

Martin was absolutely amazed and so was I.

“How do you do that?” A stunned and proud step
dad asks.

“You have learnt that whole poem in less than
two hours, and it is perfect for the workshop, it
reminds me of you and your little gang it even
includes Harvey, with the bit about dogs hearing
high sounds”.

I was delighted to be included.

Jimmy was so proud of his achievement and
could not wait to say the poem again to his Mum.
Arriving at the fruit and veg shop Jimmy almost
jumped from the car before it had stopped, so he
could run in and meet his Mum.

“I.m going today, it.s really happening” shouts an
excited Jimmy;

Mandy takes her hands and placing them on
each side of his little face, she gives her little
man a great big kiss,

“I take it we have had the letter then?” Mandy
answers her own question.

Jimmy still having his faced squashed between
his Mum.s hands manages what can only be

described as a micro nod followed by a quietly
slurped “yes”.

With his lips looking more like cupid than a 11
year old boy, he blurbs out the words I am
certain Mandy hoped to hear.

“We don.t have to pay mum”.

Mandy looking at Martin who was by now stood
in the doorway blocking out most of the light
with me pushing my head between him and the
door frame simply asks “why not? I will not
accept charity”.

Jimmy laughs and replies “No Mum it.s because
I.m gifted!”

Jimmy said the words but I am sure he didn.t
really know what that actually meant, or how it
must have sounded to the people in the shop
who couldn.t help but hear the conversation.

The two old ladies stood by the butter squash
and peanut shelves were almost breaking their
necks to see and hear what was going on, when
it became obvious no one was about to fill in the
details, the large nosed lady tilted her head
towards her mousey friend and loudly whispered.

“A little sure of himself, isn.t he?”

All I could think was you don.t know anything
about him. It does seem odd to me that people
want to be involved in others business and when

they are not; they can never just be pleased
without passing judgement.

Mandy waved good bye to everyone in the shop
and said “see you next week”.

Once in the car Martin explained the trip to
Hartman.s and then told Mandy about Jimmy.s
great poem.

“Let.s hear it then, I.m sure it will be Ok” grin.s a
not very hopeful Mandy.

Jimmy takes a quick look at his print out and
he.s off.

“The Meeting by Sparky.....”

At the end of the poem Mandy looks at Martin
and then at me and back to Martin without
saying a word.

“Well mum did you like it?” Jimmy wants to
know.

With the look of a stunned Mum, Mandy sit.s
back in her seat and gushes with praise.

“That was fantastic and the way you changed
your voice for each character was quite brilliant,
I am shocked. Well I knew you were good but
you really have knocked me sideways, no
wonder the Manor want to see you”.

Martin adds to the stream of compliments “Don.t
laugh, but he didn.t do the voices first time he
said it out loud, he added the voices in then, just
for you, he is incredible, we have a star in the
family and we didn.t realise it”.

Martins voice deepened and changed to a serious
tone, I saw him wink at Mandy but Jimmy missed
the secret wink.

“Now, Jimmy listen; this is the most important
part of all this”

Jimmy looked up from his notes with a blank
expression, he was a little confused as to what
Martin was about to say.

“When you are famous” Martin continues with his
joke.

Jimmy nods “yes”.

Martin.s voice lightens and jokingly asks “I.ll
have a Harley Davidson low rider OK?”

My tail was waging in agreement but nobody
noticed they were too busy laughing and
celebrating the great actor in the making, which
was our Jimmy.

At home Jimmy sat on his bed and watching
Mandy putting all of his best clothes into a new
suit case, Jimmy looked a little concerned and
asked.

“I thought all of that stuff was for our holidays?”

Mandy shakes her head and fighting back tears
replies,

“I know you will look after your new clothes, and
I am not having you looking anything less than
your best. I don.t want the other Mums thinking
we are less than them.”

I sat on the Spiderman rug and thought Mums
are in a world all of their own.

I didn.t hear the phone ring, but Martin shouts
up the stairs “Nanny.s on the phone, she wants
to know what time we are leaving, if she can get
here in time we may as well all go together”.

Jimmy shouts “yes please”.

Mandy agrees “we will have to leave here by
3:45 or we will never get there for 6 o.clock”.

Martin relays the message and delivers and
positive thumbs up to Jimmy waiting at the top
of the stairs.

Following the thumbs up Jimmy gives a jubilant
“YES!”

Grabs me with both hands around my neck and
says “Nanny Kate.s coming as well Harvey, I am
so lucky”.

Mandy struggles to the top of the stairs with
Jimmy.s overloaded case, and some hand
luggage, matching of course.

“Martin” Mandy calls down to the lounge, “can
you carry these down for me please”.

On seeing the amount of packing Mandy has,
Martin quite rightly asks “what on earth does he
need all that for; we are going out to see him
next weekend for the halfway show, and parent.s
day?”

Mandy can only respond with “Oh shut up, its
towels and night things, as well as day clothes
and a change for each night, shoes and: well you
know”.

Martin had to say “No, I.m sorry I don.t know,
but I.ll put it in the car anyway, Jimmy mate,
take a quick shower and when Nanny arrives we
are off.”

Nanny arrives in good time and she sits in the
lounge with Martin and Mandy, reaching into her
bag she brings out her spectacles and her
cheque book.

“Now” she say.s “I don.t want any arguments, I
will pay for this workshop £700.00, I believe”.

Mandy happily responds “It is free Mum, you
were right all along; he really is a gifted boy”.

“They have given Jimmy a full course
scholarship.”

Jumping to her feet Nan yells out “I knew it, I
knew it. I have been lucky enough to have met
some of the acting greats in my time and I am
telling you Jimmy is as good, if not better, but
I.m bias”.

Mandy orders “Mum sit down before you fall and
break something”.

As Nan sits down puffing away to catch her
breath and fussing around in her hand bag she
asks “has he told his friends?”

Martin.s eyes open as wide as they could go “No;
I forgot to remind him. He must do that before
we go it is very important to keep his friends
involved”.

Mandy runs up to the bathroom, nearly falling
over me; I must say today I have felt almost
invisible, Mandy knocking on the bathroom door.

“Jimmy are you decent? I don.t want to see that
maggot, I.m coming in”.

Mandy pushes open the door and screams “oh
my it.s a whopper”.

Jimmy cries out in a joking way “Mum don.t look,
Martin get Mum out she.s looking at my bit.s”.

Mandy reminds Jimmy to call his friends to
explain where he will be for a while.

Once back in the lounge Nanny Kate calls Jimmy
on to her lap. “Are you excited?”

Before he can answer, Nan again reaches into
her bag and produces a mobile phone.

“Jimmy you are a big boy now so because you.ve
done so well, this is for you and there is £25.00
of calling credit for you to call me or Mummy
whenever you need to.”

Jimmy can.t believe his eyes “you are the
best.est Nanny in the world, I love you Nan.
Thank you, I.ll call you every night.”

“Can I call my friends then they will have my
new number, I.ll be as quick as possible OK”

Nan said “yes.”

Chapter 9

As usual I had to become a high jump champ to
get in the back of the car, only this time I was
delighted to be allowed to come along so it would
be worth the painful jump.

I couldn.t wait to see the Manor I had heard so
much about over the last few weeks. Martin was
driving with Mandy in the front passenger seat
and Jimmy and Nanny in front of me; and as
usual I.m in the back. Everyone was so excited,
their voices seemed to be higher in pitch and as
they talk the words grew faster and faster. The
real give away was the way no one noticed that
two different conversations were going on at
once.

Nan and Jimmy were practising the poem with
Nan correcting Jimmy.s diction, her coaching was
really important to Jimmy not only because it
might help him but because to Jimmy his Nan
knew stuff which always worked out right in the
long run.

I have to agree you can.t beat age and
experience. Mandy and Martin were discussing
Mandy.s day at work they really hadn.t had the
chance to talk much since Mandy had come
home.

“It.s all been a bit of whirl since I finished work;
you haven.t even given me a kiss” Mandy smiles
to Martin aiming the comment directly at him.

Mandy continues with “I didn.t have a chance to
thank you either”.

Martin looks back at Mandy and quizzes “thank
me for what?”

“Everything !”

Mandy replies with love in her voice.

The conversation comes back to earth with a
bump when Jimmy leans over and slips in with,

“Give me a break, or get a room”.

The whole car fills with laughter.

In all of the excitement Mandy hadn.t thought to
ask how Martin had organised the whole day.

Or what about the sticky situation with it being
Jimmy.s dads visiting day Jimmy?

What was obviously Jimmy was in the car and
not at his dads. Just as the words,

“you.re supposed to be at dads” jumps into
Mandy.s head, and out of her mouth it quickly
disappears into a fade.

The gates of Thornton Manor suddenly loom into
view, and by the look of them it was a gateway
to a massive mansion set in rolling grounds.

“We are here announces Martin”.

His voice somehow lacked authority as he said it.
All that Jimmy could say was “Blimin heck”

Looking at Nan his little face said it all and
“blimin heck” was right. Martin skilfully brought
the car to a full stop at the foot of the gothic iron
gates. The gates almost seemed to boast, with
its shield of carved stone, and coat of arms
displayed high upon the top of the gates.

There was a weathered look to the stone arch
which surrounded the gates, with ivy marbling
the ancient stone. The carved shield above the
gates had a carved ribbon style band across its
width, there was some wording written in the
band, it read

“DUCTUS FIGURATUS”.

Which according to Martin is Latin?

Martin started to recall his lessons from school,
desperately trying to decipher the legend.

“I am certain the second word is Latin for
figurative, the two together could mean; indirect
style?”

I didn.t have a clue what that actually meant and
Nan simply said.

“Oh that.s nice”

I was certain Jimmy fitted the legend perfectly
whatever it said.

To me Jimmy had a style which once you knew
him was a perfect presentation of who he needed
to be, he really came alive as an individual once
his shyness was overcome, and the real boy was
allowed to come out no longer fighting to be
accepted, but accepted as merely Jimmy.

Pressing the intercom on the wall, a warm
elderly and very posh ladies voice answers,

”Good Evening. Thornton manor reception who is
calling?”

Martin replying in a voice I have never heard
before started to talk a bit like the ladies voice

“Good hevening Moy n.hame is Marting Royhale”
it sounded ridiculous.

Mandy quickly took over, “we are here with our
son Jimmy Coburn, for the workshop”.

Without an answer or any other conversation, a
buzzer sounded and the huge gates began to
open. Straining, creaking and groaning at the
hinges.

Everyone got back into the car, we entered the
grounds everything began to look more like
“Hogwarts” than a fun workshop camp.

After two or three minutes we left the relative
silence of the tarmac entrance and started our
way along an ocean of crunchy cream driveway
stones, endless cracks chips and undercar bangs
of the eternal gravel drive.

“My bloody tyres will be ruined”. Martin
Complained.

We were beginning to think we had perhaps
made a wrong turn when Nanny said.

“There it is, up there on the hill” and slowly
pointed as if her arms were in shock.

Jimmy sat back and the fear on his face was
palatable.

“Oh my god” Martin creaked.

Martins shocked outburst didn.t help Jimmy.s
new found reason to be scarred. Mandy looking
back at Jimmy who by now was tightly pushed
into Nanny.s ample bosoms, as if he were hoping
to hide deep enough never to be seen again.

Nanny Whispers into Jimmy.s ear; “It looks like
that because it is a special place for talented
people like you” then delivers a kiss on the head.

Mandy tries to reassure,

“It is the best and most expensive building in the
area it used to be a school for posh people, who
would allow the school to look after their children
during school term time. I need you to
understand Jimmy I am allowing this because it
is a great chance and a very safe and friendly
place. I wouldn.t let you stay if it was a block of
flats on an estate”.

I think the attempt was unsuccessful, Jimmy still
looked worried.

The semi circular drop off area in front of the
manor was a creation of the most ornate stone
fountain and flower beds.

It was beautiful, the water fountain was an angel
riding on a sea creature with water cascading
into a fish pool of ornamental Carp, the water
was somehow lit from underneath.

The water.s cascading fountain spilt it.s torrent
into two long drop falls crashing into the pool.

Lights allowed the water to dance randomly over
the angelic face of the beautiful figure all framed
by smaller waterfalls and hanging plants in full
bloom.

Mandy, Martin, Jimmy and Nanny all got out of
the car and made their way to the massive front
door of the Manor.

From the car I could see the soft glow of hall and
room lights on the upper floors. The manor
seemed to be dotted with dimly lit figures sat in
window seats reading or simply looking across
the fields to the falling sunset in the distance.

Apart from the whirl of the car engine fan it was
completely silent accompanied only by the
occasional splash from the water fountain.

I could tell there was some hesitation from
Jimmy by the way he approached the huge dark
solid wood doors complete with heavy iron door
furniture including the obligatory lion head door
knocker.

Martin walked up the stone steps leaving
everyone else at the foot; the door opened
slowly and deliberately and a rosy cheeked grey
haired lady popped out wearing an old fashioned
cook.s apron.

“Hello my darling.s, you must be Jimmy or is it
James?” Enquires the friendly faced lady.

Jimmy stands in full view and announces.

“I am Jimmy Coburn, my nanny Kate calls me
James but Jimmy is fine. I am delighted to meet
you, Miss?”

The lady replies “Granny, please call me Granny
Selby, or simply Granny, I.ll leave it you to
decide, and would you like to come in?

Leave your things and I will get Cromwell our
butler to collect them and put them into your
room. Now come and meet the others”.

Everyone walked through the door, all that I
could do was press my nose up against the car
window and quietly wish my friend good luck
under my breath.

It seemed like hours before I saw Nanny Kate,
standing at the top of the steps having a crafty
cigarette; she gave me a little wave as she
sprayed herself and returned to the Manor.

I must have fallen asleep because when I woke
up, it was very dark and I was dying for a wee, if
they don.t hurry there might be an accident in
the back of the car with me drowning in my own
pee.

At last Martin returned to the car and opening
the trap door commanded “come on boy, walk.”

I was relived in more ways than one.

Nan jumped into the back seat and Mandy got
into the passenger side I thought, oh well Jimmy
must with his friends he can.t be thinking of me
as well as all the other things that are going on,
at least I will see Jimmy next week when we
come back.

Martin walked straight past the car and up to the
manor doors.

I thought NO! I need the grass or a tree stump,
the old lady came back out of the manor and
bending her knees and placing her soft hands on
my ears began to rub them in a circular motion it
was marvellous I thought, how could she know
this was my favourite thing in the world.

“I can see why Jimmy loves you” she said,

“You are a lucky boy to have a friend like Jimmy
and he is lucky to have a friend like you”.

Then Jimmy appeared from behind Mrs/ Granny
Selby, bending down Jimmy whispers in my ear

“Look after Mum she.s a little upset and Nanny
too, but most of all I love you and I will miss
you. See you Saturday”. Jimmy gave me a big
hug.

Jimmy stopped took a deep breath and let out a
long sigh, turned to Martin, then the wonderful
Jimmy said.

“Thank you Martin, without you, this could not
have happened, I Love you dad”.

Turned and went back through the big wooden
doors which closed behind him with a BOOM that
echoed across the courtyard.

Martin.s eyes filled up with happy tears, dad was
the word he thought he would never hear. He
tried to wipe his eyes before turning around to
go back to the car, he was not very successful.

Before we even got there, I could clearly hear
the snivels of the inconsolable Mandy and Nanny
Kate. Martin took me to the back of the car and
out of sight so I could empty my overloaded
tanks.

I had to be helped into the car, apart from my
light whimpers of my back leg spasm pain the
silence of the surroundings now included the
sniffs and sobs of a happy family.

Martin closed the trap door and we began our
journey back I really did think it would be with
each of us deep in our own thoughts. And for a
while I was correct.

Martin climbed into the driver.s seat, and with
another attempt at posh talk announces.

“One could do with a stiff drink, couldn.t one?”

From the back of the car Nanny Kate says.

“Yes a glass of Sherry wouldn.t go a miss”.

Mandy can only nod, it is clear to all she is
unable to speak due to the lump in her throat
which has taken her voice.

Back along the gravel drive which for some
unknown reason seems much shorter a journey
than earlier and less forbidding. We drove
straight through the already opened gates and
out into the bright street lights.

Everyone settled down to their own thoughts,
leaving Martin to concentrate on driving safely.

I spent my time looking out of the window,
enjoying the journey mostly with my head out of
the small back window, snorting the invisible air
and causing my ears to jet stream, flapping
around the side and back of my head.

If I really relax I can make my lips flop around in
the wind, it sounds daft saying it but it is fun.

Approximately half way home, Martin spots a
nice country pub and pulls into the car park.

“I.ll ask if Harvey can come into the garden,
whilst you to sort yourselves out”.

Within seconds he is back with a “let.s go,
Harvey”.

The trap door opens and Martin helps me down,
by now my back legs are really not doing well. It
was a nice way to break up the journey home.
Martin collected the drinks and together they all
ordered a bar snack.

Mandy remembering that the boys were
supposed to be at their dads decides to bring the
subject back up. Martin, Nan and Mandy discuss
openly the problems in relation with Jack and his
inability to be a proper parent, when Martin lifts
his head and in a proud clear voice says.

“Jimmy told me he loved me”,

Nanny Kate just smiles and replies, “That was
nice”.

Martin almost choking adds.

“Then he called me DAD”.

His eyes filled with tears of joy, Nan and Mandy
simultaneously cried and laughed with an out
pouring of combined delight.

Mandy Just looked at Martin and said “I.ve
known for weeks that Jimmy wanted to call you
dad, I caught him telling Harvey”.

I just moved under the table, looked the other
way and said nothing; I am the family pet and
confidant, it is not my place to tell tales.

Nan begins to open the debate. “How can we
help Jimmy understand, it is alright and normal
to want Martin to be his dad?”

I hope they don.t lose sight of the fact It will be
just as difficult for his real dad. No matter what
has happened in the past he will not want to give
up his status as dad.

Nan states “we need a plan, to help Jimmy sort
out his feelings”.

Everyone finished the last of the drinks and
polished off the snacks.

“It.s time we should be going Bradley will be
back at 10 o.clock, and I don.t know if he has his
keys” reminds Martin.

We still had an hour left in our journey and I for
one was glad to be on our way, I hadn.t seen
baby all day and my bed was calling.

Nan and Mandy continued their conversation all
the way home, it sounded to me like Jacks time
has come at last.

Mandy advises Nan,” I am going to call on the
full force of the new powers of the Child Support
Agency to track down the illusive Jack Coburn;
and take him to task. The substantial arrears he
has dodged for 10 years will now come to roost”.

Mandy finishes her rant with. “I am going to take
that fake to the cleaners, if he is going to let the
boys down and continually allow his partner to
play them off against her kids, then he.ll pay”.

Her timing was perfect as she finished speaking
we turned on to the drive with a sweep of
headlights striking the house and Bradley who is
was slumped against the front door, sitting on
the front doorstep.

Bradley jumping up with a smile welcomes
everyone home, in his own sarcastic way.

“Hello, not too late then? I.ve only been waiting
20 Minutes”.

Nanny Walk.s over and giving Bradley a kiss and
the secret here.s a ten pound note handshake;
she decides

“I won.t come in love, I.m tired and I want to get
home to put the bins out, they are coming
tomorrow and I don.t want to miss them.

Nanny gives a weary wave to Martin and opening
her car door say.s

“I.ll call you tomorrow Mandy, Ok?”

Mandy gives her Mum a hug and says,

“Thank you for your help today, Jimmy will be
Ok”.

Martin waves out to Nan on his way into the
house, Nanny starts her car and is gone.

Turning on the drive light, Mandy shuts the door
and makes for the kitchen; Bradley as usual has
his head in the fridge.

I am on my way to check on my bed and see if
babytears is alright and of course she is.

Mandy asks Bradley. “How do you feel about
what your dad did today?”

Closing the fridge door, and walking over to the
breakfast bar with a hand full of cheese and
some ham he shrugs his shoulders.

Mandy offers “let me make you something?”

Bradley shakes his head. “No thanks Mum”.

He seems to be trying to push his ten pound note
into his pocket whilst adding.

“Mum, don.t worry about me, I know what dads
like, I would like him to be different sometimes.
It would be good if he could be like he is at
Monster truck meets all of the time. But you
know what he is like, he thinks he has to act
hard or something, I dunno”.

Martin was listening in the hall; I knew he would
stay out of the way, just in case he says
something which might be less than helpful.

Match of the day had just started on TV and I
know Martin wouldn.t mind seeing his team

Brigstowe City FC play, so he leaves Mandy and
Bradley to it.

If they win they go through to the cup final, I.ve
heard him say.

Bradley pops his head around the door of the
lounge and cheers Martins evening up, by
spoiling the upcoming highlights.

“City won 3-1” good night Martin mate see you
tomorrow.

Martins reply was less than thankful, “Cheers for
that, Mate”.

Mandy finishes off clearing up and bringing two
coffees into the lounge says. “Do you mind if I go
on up love, I.m tired?”

Martins reply was all said without taking his eyes
off of the TV “No. I don.t mind love, I „m just
watching this, taking Harvey out for a walk then
I.ll be up”.

Mandy kisses her man on the head and she.s off
to bed.

I like this part of the day, I can feel close to my
master by lying at Martins feet and enjoy the
rest of the evening knowing that today went well
and Jimmy has started on the road to possibly
fulfilling his dream.

Chapter 10

Sunday morning seemed a little quiet, and
Mandy was definitely trying to find things to do. I
think it was the not knowing how Jimmy.s first
night had gone. She must have been wondering
what Jimmy might be doing and whether he was
having fun.

Martin pretended to be interested in playing with
me in the garden; I could tell his mind was away
from our game too, was thinking about Jimmy.
Bradley surfaced and decided to eat his breakfast
in the garden he broke the difficult silence by
asking.

“How did little.un get on, did he settle in alright?”

I am so glad he asked it showed some unity
within the family and you could tell Mandy really
appreciated the interest.

Mandy started to tell Bradley all about the mad
day and how it had all conspired to happen the
way it had. Mandy diligently relayed the
information to Bradley who didn.t pause from his
munching, save only to change tack from eating
to slurping the milk at the bottom of his
breakfast bowl.

The story unfolded it became obvious there were
loop holes in the information.

The loop holes were only visible to Mandy
herself; stopping mid-stream she asks.

“Did we agree a time for Jimmy to call us? Martin
ring Mum and find out if she knows the mobile
phone number, on that phone she gave Jimmy.
What time do we have to be there next week?”

Mandy began to panic, thinking of all
unanswered questions.

“I am going to have to call the Manor”. Mandy
happily concludes.

To me that was a ploy, any good or bad reason
to call and speak to Jimmy and see how he was.

Unfortunately Mandy.s new excuse was a ploy
too far, on phoning the Manor, the secretary
explains,

“The Workshop requires all of the children.s
concentration, this is not a summer camp it is
preparation for professional thespian work we do
not allow the parents to talk to the children
during work times, please bear with us. I know
the results will speak for themselves”.

Mandy relays this stark reality to Martin and
Bradley, who look at each other and pretending
to hold up handbags pull faces and make an
OOHHHH sound in stereo.

The lady at the other end of the phone went on
to say.

“However, because it is a particularly young
group they will allow them to call home each
evening at 6:30”.

“I can.t wait, until tonight; watch today drag on”
Mandy smiles; and asks.

“Drink anyone?”

Then she disappears into the kitchen singing
something about “glad that I live, am I”.

Nanny Kate flings open the front door and
without a single hello, calls through the house.

“Mandy any news?”

Nanny Kate just stood in the hall in full make up
and regalia,

“Hello Mum you look nice, where are you going?

Is it anywhere special?” Mandy enquires.

Nanny Kate taking her bag off of her shoulder
glides into the lounge, sits down on the sofa and
responds

“No, not really I thought I better get a bit of
make-up on in case we have to get James from
the big house”.

My ears could not believe what they were
hearing. I simply could not understand the
thinking of Nanny, getting dressed up just in
case? How daft does that sound?

Mandy puts the kettle on and explains the Manor
rules following the earlier call to the Manor;
Nanny Kate says.

“Oh! That.s good. I.ll wait here with you for the
call if you don.t mind me waiting; I could hardly
sleep last night.”

My how the day seemed to drag, all I could think
was I hope we are not going to be phone
watching for the whole of next week. Living from
call to call, It would not be fair on Bradley what
with starting work with Martin and it being
Martin.s first week going it alone with Bob Fry.

At last the phone rang Mandy looked at the clock
it read 6:32pm; Bradley picked it up, and with a,

“Hello shrimp, how.s it going?” He sat quietly and
listened whilst everyone else strained at the
ears.

“That.s great, I.m glad you.re enjoying yourself,
I.ll pass you to Mum.” Bradley smiled and handed
over the phone.

Mandy would have normally snatched the phone
from Bradley too ensure he didn.t try to upset
her little soldier but instead she delighted in his
interest in his little brother.s adventure.

Mandy drew a breath and promised herself she
wouldn.t cry “Hello my love; how are you? Is it
fun?”

Before Jimmy could answer the first question let
alone the second and third Mandy adds

“Do you mind if I put you on speaker phone so
Nanny, Martin and Bradley can hear too?”

I could hear Jimmy.s distant voice say “OK”.

With an electronic ping the phone was on
speaker everyone huddled around the hissing
speaker.

“Can you hear us James?” asks Nan, in a voice,
reminiscent of Alexander Graham Bell.

“Loud and clear came the reply, I am having a
great time, we had chicken and roast spuds for
diner.” Everyone laughed.

“What about the other children? Are they
friendly?” Martin asked.

Jimmy began to gush with an enthusiasm none
of them had heard before “Michael he is from
London where the queen lives, he is friendly and
nice, he.s 12 years old and has already been on
TV in the Hospital drama; “Triage”.

Then there.s Sandra she.s lovely and is a brilliant
singer, the amazing thing is they were all here
last year and since then they have all been on
TV”.

Nanny chips in with, “So will you my love if you
work hard”.

Jimmy ends the call “We are all going swimming
now, they have an indoor pool. Mr Chesterton is
looking after us, so we are quite safe, love you
all, speak to you tomorrow, love you”.

The listening family all say good bye at the same
time, Mandy frantically fishes for any question or
word that might prolong the call a few more
seconds but the words didn.t come out in time.

The last part of the call was made up of happy
chatter between Jimmy and his new found
friends laughing and calling to each other to
hurry. Jimmy.s last words simply said

“Goodbye everyone” and finished with “alright
I.m coming”.

The phone call ended with just a click then a
dialling tone.

“He.s gone”. Nanny states the obvious.

Bradley made the first analysis of the call.
“Indoor pool, lucky thing, his friends sound nice”.

Nanny agrees, “They seem as if they are all
comfortable there and they are chaperoned so
they are safe”.

Martin and Mandy only agreed with a smile to
each other.

Monday.s sunlight poured through the curtains,
except this bright Monday was a special day for
the new man in the house, Mr Bradley Coburn.

This was Bradley.s first day working with Martin,
what Martin had forgotten to tell him was that he
would be required to wear a suit and tie, most of
the time and Bradley wasn.t sure about that.

The concept of a suit was a little difficult for
Bradley to grasp.

“Suits are old fashioned, Mr Branson is worth a
mint and I.ve never seen him in a suit, have you
Martin” Bradley asks.

Martin had to concede “good point”. “However Mr
Branson is not your boss, I am and we wear suits
at M. Royale and Associates”.

The first job was to get Bradley fitted out so off
they went to get the suit.

As usual Mandy set about her mundane Monday,
as she had each and every week for years, I
could tell the chores were carried these day.s on
auto-pilot.

Mandy looked at the clock and across to me.

“Do you mind if we miss out the park trip today
Harvey? I am so far behind I can.t get into gear”.

I thought thank god for that the ache in my legs
was causing me pain, the stiffening was
unbearable, I was so tried.

In just a few hours, a new and improved Bradley
Coburn Esq, young executive walked through the
front door and Mandy went into shock. His hair
was short and well cut still modern but business
like; his suit was dark well fitted and very smart.

I just stared at the shoes, I have never seen him
in shoes, I don.t know much about shoes
however these looked expensive, all finished off
with a white shirt and silk tie. Bradley.s face was
a combination of a blushing boy and very well
groomed young business man, who was ready
for work and definitely meant business.

Mandy just looked at her grown up son, happily
weeping she said.

” That.s all I seem to be doing these days is
crying, but at least it is because I am happy”.

Brushing Bradley.s shoulders removing invisible
lint, Mandy prompts.

“Martin thank you. Bradley, have you said thank
you?”

The reply was “yes”

Bradley adds,” I am happy to say it again, thank
you Martin I love it”.

Mandy begins to frantically hunt around in the
kitchen drawer and like a magician the digital
camera Martin bought her for Christmas appears,
pointing it at Bradley the proud new business
man, strikes a corporate pose and Mandy takes
the shot.

“One for the web site” Martin announces and
quickly takes ownership of the digital photo.
Mandy then takes another for Nanny Kate.

“She.ll love that one, I.ll get it framed” Mandy
decides.

In his best boss tone Martin pulls rank.

“We.re off, back at 7 o.clock after our meeting
with Bob Fry and the bank; plus I want Bradley.s
input on a couple of offices I.ve found”.

Bradley.s eyes almost glowed as he must have
realised this was serious; he was a big part the
family business.

I could see Martin was quickly replacing any
negative thoughts about being just a stepdad in
fact Bradley was hanging on Martins every word.

Martin was showing Bradley from the off; his real
dads input was empty offers and unsupported
statements. Bradley would make his own mind
up in time who was right for his future, I.m
certain of it.

Today flew by, Mandy was cleaning the men
were at work and amazingly no one was hovering
by the phone at 6:30 when it rang.

Mandy made her way over, I was already there,
“Hellloo” a flippant Mandy answers.

I could just hear the voice I had been waiting to
hear.

” Hello Mum How.s Harvey?” enquires Jimmy.

Mandy spun her head round to look at the clock,
“Oh! Jimmy how are you my love? Is everything
Ok?”

Jimmy, went through everything he had been
working on at the workshop, and told his Mum
about his new friends and what fabulous fun he
is having.

“Its hard work, we are working towards a
showcase for the show in front of family and
friends, guess who else is coming?”

Mandy thought for a while and said “I don.t know
who?”

Jimmy.s reply was an excited “talent scouts
Mum, Talent scouts; they make dreams come
true Granny Selby said so.”

“Well, if Granny Selby says so who am I to
argue”, Mandy giggles.

“Nanny has worried about you since you went,
she couldn.t sleep worrying about you. Harvey is
sat here listening; Bradley started work today
with Martin.

Martin is chuffed you called him dad, but most of
all I am so very proud of you and we all miss you
loads,”

I couldn.t see Jimmy.s face but I know my
Jimmy, he would have been smiling from ear to
ear, Jimmy and Mandy finishes the call when
Jimmy decides out loud.

“I am going to call Nanny now on my new
mobile, good night Mum tell everyone I am doing
well and I will talk to you tomorrow, don.t worry
I am loving everything about this place, Loves
you mum Bye”.

Then as loud as you like I heard “BYE HARVEY”.

Mandy putting down the phone, whilst looking
straight at me and says “we are very lucky; we
have two great sons, oh yes! and a very
handsome dog”.

She gave me a kiss between the eyes, it was a
beautiful moment between us which I
appreciated; recently I must admit I felt a little
left out and too tired to be able to let anyone
know.

Every day Martin and Bradley wondered around
the house either on their mobile phones like
someone working on the trading floor in a busy
capital city firm or on their way to a meeting.

Bradley seemed to be in his element, talking to
suppliers and organising materials, from list.s
supplied by Martin. Mandy cooked and cleaned as
usual, in between going out to work at the shop.

Nanny Kate popped in from time to time and
each night around 6:30 pm Mandy me and
whoever else was around caught up on the
exploits of our up and coming superstar.

On Friday Mandy decided to go the hairdressers
to have new hairdo, Martin was working from
home and Bradley was onsite at the new office.
Jimmy.s friends Alan and Doug came round for
update.

Martin said to Alan “could you take Harvey for a
walk, he really misses Jimmy and we are all so
busy at the moment?”

“Yes Please Mr Royale, we are a bit bored with
Jimmy being away, we all feel like we are
treading water” Alan replied.

I can.t think of any other two people, other than
many and Jimmy I would rather go off for a walk
with than Alan and Doug.

Listening to their stories makes me laugh I find
the same things funny as the boys, which is odd
as dog comedy is very different.

The boy.s always are great company; we decided
to go down by the brook and bridge. I hadn.t
been there for quite a while. The day was hot, so
Alan took off his socks and shoes then began to
walk through the shallow clear brook, it looked
so refreshing I joined him splashing with each
step and slurping up the cool sweet stream as
often as I wished.

Alan retold a story to Doug about his dog
“Chance” who sadly became ill and had to be put
to sleep by the vet, although the story was sad
the way he recalled it was funny recalling all of
the good times he had enjoyed with his lost
friend.

Alan sighed. “I.m sad he.s no longer with me
Doug, when I think of him it makes me happy,
he was a great friend just like Harvey is to
Jimmy”.

The conversation was flowing and the stream felt
cool and inviting, we came to the bend in the
brook where the sides become steeper than the
rest of the stream. The tranquillity of the walk
was broken when without warning a rock hit the
water with crash and splashed cold water up into
my face.

Looking up there were two boys about Alan and
Doug.s age, one of the boys had skin tight jeans
on with a chequered shirt with spikey hair and
the other had a dark face and was much smaller
than the other.

I have to admit I was a little scared so I growled.

Alan seemed to know them and calmly sat on the
edge of the brook bank to put his socks and
shoes on.

By the time Alan stood up the two rough boys
were right there facing Alan and Doug although
they were still on the other side of the narrow
brook and only a few feet away.

The one with spikey hair spoke first.

“Alright Pervis” and then nodded as a kind of
greeting.

He continued with his strange conversation with
Alan.

“Where.s that little whimp, Jimmy? I.ve got a
knuckle sandwich for him”.

Two things struck me;

First of all I didn.t know Alan.s last name was
Pervis.

Second if he calls Jimmy a whimp again I.ll bite
his bitts off.

Alan jumped the brook in one leap and landed
right up close to the tougher looking boy with the
spiked hair, pushing his face right into the boy.s
face Alan asked a direct and forceful question.

“What.s it got to do with you Wilkinson; you
Muppet”.

The boy looked a little shocked Alan then spited
out these words slowly, through gritted teeth.

“Learn some respect, coz when he comes back
from summer training camp you.re dead”.

It was at that point I realised it was Aaron the
bully and his side kick Dillip, I growled, snarled
and barked like a rabid mutt.

I couldn.t do it for long though because it made
me cough and my eyes were watering too much.

Alan gave him a hard dig, like an uppercut punch
straight into the stomach.

Aaron fell to his knees, coughing and spluttering
just like me!

I thought he.s not so tough. Dillip who had said
nothing until now asked the killer question.

”What camp is he on, Alan?”

Alan turned back to face the beaten pair and said
“Boxing camp”.

” Dillip looked like he was going to mess his
pants, his chin began to quiver and his body
shook.

Alan couldn.t help but twist the verbal knife with
another clever lie,

“There a few things about Jimmy no one knows.
You don.t have to be loud to be tough, he beat
me in the club boxing finals so he went to boxing
championships and I had to stay home, he.s
really looking forward to knocking your teeth out,
are you listening Aaron.”

Doug decides to reinforce the lie;

“He couldn.t do anything before because he
would have gotten into trouble, now he doesn.t
care, you.ve had it”.

Aaron getting to feet wheezes a huge breath and
replies with a defiant.

“I.ll have him anytime, boxing training camp or
not. Dillip and I will do him easily”.

Aaron had eyes like a blood shot watery onion
cutters eyes. Aaron was sporting a big snot
bubble which ebbed and flowed from his left
nostril as he tried to regain his normal breathing
pattern. From my perspective he began to look
like a nasal glass blower.

Aaron regained some composure from being
temporarily winded, just in time for Alan to
explain.

“No, mate you do not understand”.

“This time it is not Jimmy, it.s me and Jimmy
plus a few extra surprises. If you want to
continue, you.re going to get it once and for all.”

Alan turned to walk away as Dillip pipes up with.

“Tell Jimmy it.s not me, I didn.t do anything!”

Doug sniffed out a nasal laugh “that say.s it all,
you are on your own Aaron”.

I walked away from that encounter, feeling
great; it reminded me of the old day.s throwing
my weight around at the park near where I lived
with Martin.

I began to feel sorry for Jimmy, he had a lot to
live up to, and Alan had made absolutely certain
Aaron would be ready for a fight.

The element of surprise had been lost. Alan
muttered under his breath to Doug, I.ve got to
ring Jimmy; he must keep up his boxing practise.

When we got back to the house Alan asked if he
could have a contact number for Jimmy. Martin
could tell something was up and began to quiz
Alan and Doug, Alan was quite adapt at being
elusive with the answers; he could duck and
drive in conversation as well as he could in the
boxing ring.

Doug however was a completely different
conversational opponent and he quickly worked
himself into a corner finally bleating out.

”Aaron.s gonna get Jimmy when he comes back,
we.ve just seen him and Alan wants to warn
him!” Doug swallows a huge breath.

It was quite a sentence to deliver without
breathing. Martin stands in the doorway and
after a bit of quick mental juggling of this new
information, decides on a course of action.

Martin relays to Alan. “Alan I will let him know
when I think the time is right; in the meanwhile I
have had enough of this bully Aaron, if he thinks
he invented bullying and violence he is very
much mistaken. I will make certain his parents
know what is going on and what their son is up
to”.

Martin turning to face the two boys and with as
serious a look I can remember seeing on Martins
face he says.

“Alan, and you Doug do not discuss this with
anyone, Doug are you hearing me?” Martins face
said it all.

I hope Aaron.s dad is a reasonable person or
there really will be violence, Martin could really
handle himself: you usually find the quiet ones
are the ones to lookout for.

Mandy came back from work and Martin
explained what he was thinking and set out a
plan of attack.

“Harvey, here boy, we are going for a walk”.

I knew it was a walk around to Clifton Crescent,
to the Address Doug had written down for
Martin, It was Aaron.s House.

It was a little weird listening to Martin practising
what he was going to say on the way to Aaron.s
house, when we eventually arrived at 33 Clifton
Crescent, I knew we were not going to be
dealing with a house proud nor should I say, a
garden proud home owner.

The approach to the property was an overgrown
hedge on both sides of the front garden with
towering strands of privet sticks with the odd leaf
straddling each side of the branches, the years of

neglect made the tops of each branch almost
reach the upper window. On the right hand side
of the central path was a scrap Bedford van with
its doors off. In its day the two tone blue and
white panels and now corroded chrome would
have been a real head turner, but now it was just
a rusting heap.

The garden was strewn with rusty toys and
fragments of bicycles entangled in couch grass.
The open upper windows of the house had dirty
grey net curtains the type which would fall to
pieces if they were washed.

Through the gap in the net you could clearly see
there was no shade on the naked light bulb. The
whole scene was finished off with the sound of
very loud music, well if you could call it music.

“ooaooaho mysterious girl I wannan get close to
you”.

Martin was really watching the ground, step by
step; he had too! The barbed wire woven into
the overgrown grass was a real danger.
Metalwork and broken toys added to the almost
impossible journey to the front door.

Martin just managed to miss stepping into the
dog mess strewn around the path an garden.

Martin stopped looked at me and said “watch
your back mate they.ve got a dog”.

Martin need not worry; I could tell what sort of
dog this was, it was as clear as the smell in the
nose on my face.

The smell told a clear story, a small puppy.
Probably a Labrador like, Martin stood up tall and
straight took a big deep breath and knocked on
the door, from inside you could hear a loud
man.s voice shout out.

“Aaron” then it coughed and continued.

“Get the door, you lazy idiot”.

Martin looked at me and raised his eyes skyward,
the door opened and we were met by the spikey
haired tyrant Aaron.

“Yeh! What”. Came the warm welcome.

Martin just slowly looked Aaron up and down,
giving out a little laugh, Martin observes.

“Aaron Wilkinson I presume, I want your dad out
here .Now”.

Without a flinch Aaron leans back and away from
the door and looking into the lounge shouts dad
it.s a bloke with an old dog for you”.

The hand that came round the door arrived
before anything else, it had very dirty, cracked

and broken nails and oh my, it was a big shovel
of a hand.

Mr Wilkinson was a large man but out of
condition and much older than Martin.

Mr Wilkinson looked at Martin and said.

“If you.re selling, I don.t want it, if you.re
collecting I haven.t got any and if you.re from
anybody official I.m not in”. And then Mr
Wilkinson laughed.

Martin just kept a straight face and I would say
he looked quite intimidating.

“None of the above” responded Martin.

Tying me up on the bumper of the van, Martin
slowly turned back and explained in a serious
voice.

“I am Jimmy Coburn.s dad”.

Aaron looked at his dad and his jaw nearly hit
the ground, he knew from Martin.s face he meant
business.

“Who the hell is Jimmy Coburn and what.s it got
to do with me” Mr Wilkinson aggressively
responds.

Martin.s eyes just lit up at that sentence, it gave
him an open road to conclude this first meeting.

“Mr Wilkinson your son Aaron has been
consistently bullying Jimmy, my son for the last
few months, and has, only today made some
nasty threats to hurt my son”.

To Martin and my amazement, Mr Wilkinson had
a ridiculous view on hearing this rather upsetting
news.

Mr Wilkinson puffed himself up and laughingly
replied.

“Is that all it is, boys will be boys, I suggest you
teach your kid how to defend himself then, after
all it.s just kids PLAYING”.

Martin became furious.

“I hope you are joking? I.ll tell you how it.s going
to be Mr Wilkinson! Boys will be boys yeah?

Well in that case whatever your son does to
Jimmy I will come straight round here and do
exactly the same to you.

No.

In fact I am going to make you a promise I am
going to make it my business to slap you every
time I see you. How does that sound?”

Mr Wilkinson immediately saw that Martin was
not only serious but also very capable of carrying
out his stern promise.

Untying my lead Martin finishes the encounter
with some parental advice.

“Take your boy in hand and keep him away from
Jimmy, do we understand each other?”

Mr Wilkinson lowered his eyes and slowly nodded
in agreement. The front door shut and we made
our way back down the garden path, I could hear
Aaron.s dad.s form of parenting.

“Look what you.ve done now you little fool, I.ll
take my belt to you”.

Mr Wilkinson shouted from inside the house. We
could clearly hear Aaron crying out.

“No dad please, no dad”.

I could hear the commotion all the way down the
road, it was weird how the people in the crescent
just stood in small groups looking at us but
talking to each other without looking at each
other, it was like a scene from.

“The Body Snatchers movie”.

I must say for a moment I felt sorry for Aaron.

Martin put the whole situation it into perspective,
when he explained to Mandy about his direct
action.

Mandy said “I wonder if we should call Child-line
to check on him?”

Martin was convinced he would be severely told
off and that.s all.

Martin concluded in saying.

“Don.t feel too sorry for Aaron, just because his
dad is a jerk. He doesn.t need to be one too.
Look at our boys they are not like their dad are
they? Anyway when Jimmy gets back we will
have a party, I.m inviting Aaron and Dillip, let.s
see if we can turn the tide?”

Saturday morning was a madhouse; Martin
insisted on having his BBC2 radio sounds of the
60.s on full blast. Mandy was in desperation
trying to get her hair to look like it had done
when the hairdresser did it. Bradley was in the
shower, and Nanny Kate had just arrived all
ready to go, hair done and make-up on, she
must have got up at 4am.

I was as usual in my basket, Nanny came over to
me and bending down smiles and mutters in my
ear.

“Isn.t it exciting Harvey? We are going to see our
James; I wonder what his workshop piece will
be?”

Standing up Nanny shouts above the music;
“Coffee anyone”, no one heard, it really was a
madhouse.

The journey to Thornton manor was smooth and
non eventful, apart from Bradley moaning his
suit was getting crushed. The gates of the Manor
looked just as imposing during a sunny day as
they did the first time we saw them.

We were able to drive straight into the grounds
through the open gates which were manned by
old boys in full school vintage uniform. The drive
was slowed slightly by a small convoy of other
visitor.s cars.

Martin was pleased he had cleaned the 4 x 4 as
the car in front of us was a Mercedes, which
shone in the July sun.

Once we had been directed to the rear of the
Manor we, parked up in a tight military type line,
every car was different. The line of cars looked
more like a car show rather than a parents
parking area.

Martin got out first then opened the door for
Nanny then walked around to open the door for
Mandy, I thought how posh!

Everyone walked around the main building to the
fountain area we had seen on our first visit. All of
the parents talked in their own groups, the only
similarity was the crunching of feet on the gravel
filled walkway.

We were greeted at the large entrance doors by
an army of Manor house staff and teachers the
smiles were wide and wonderfully real.

The group of friends and parents were directed
to the first part of the event in the main hall. I
had to stay outside, I didn.t mind as I could see
the stage was set in the near lawn, with rows of
white chairs set out in front of a large platform
stage complete with microphone stands, it made
me begin to have a strange excitement build in
my belly.

The parents all went into the manor and after a
few minutes reappeared with drinks and
programmes detailing the event. Mandy took my
lead and together we walked the short distance
to the seated area, everyone seemed to stand on
ceremony sitting back from the front two rows,
that is everyone accept Nanny Kate.

“Excuse me young man” Nanny called to a
waiting usher, “can we sit here?” Nan says
pointing to the empty front seats.

“I am sorry madam these are for the staff,
members of the press, theatrical and television
agents, however the seats in the second row are
for your use” the usher completed the
description of the seating arrangements with a
smile and helped Nanny to her seat.

When everyone was seated Nanny said to
Mandy.

“What a polite chap, its good breeding you
know”.

Mandy just giggled and added a nod of her head
in agreement. A distinguished slightly greying
man stood on the stage and introduced himself
as Mr J J Simmons, everyone applauded.

His speech went on a bit, relaying his years in
theatre and TV.

He then announced. “Today we have our halfway
show which I must say, is the best I have ever
seen. We have had our eyes opened to a whole
new generation of extremely well balanced
young people, who are of an exceptionally high
standard”.

Mr Simmons looked down at his note and turning
his page, looked up smiled. He continued,

“The whole recital has been put together mainly
by our newest candidate”.

Again everyone clapped and there were a few
“yah.s and whoops” from the rows of well
wishers sat behind

Mr Simmons held up his right hand and calmly
waved it for silence, he continued.

“Every once in a while a potential star is brought
to our attention, and I do not use the term star
lightly, when this rare happening occurs we are
all left with an empty feeling when they are
gone. We at the manor can be left wondering if
or when this chance to work with the future of
our business will come again”.

Mr Simmons took a deep breath and sip of water
from the glass on his notes stand.

“This time we are lucky we have another week
with this new brilliant young actor. His name will
be known to households everywhere, mark my
words. His name is James Coburn”.

Everyone stood and clapped and cheered as
Jimmy walked up the steps onto the edge of the
stage next to Mr Simmons, I thought Nanny was
going to faint, everyone started to applaud again
as Jimmy walked on to the stage.

Mandy, Bradley and Martin were looking at each
other in total disbelief, still sat firmly in their
seats.

Mandy asks first to Martin and then to me.

“What.s going on? Have we missed something
here?”

I didn.t miss a single thing; I always knew that
Jimmy was great.

From the speakers either side of the stage some
quiet orchestra music started to play and Jimmy
stepped up to the microphone. Jimmy began to
recite the poem he had learned so well, one by
the other children moved onto the stage acting
out in mime the words which Jimmy shared with
the audience, it was electric.

Jimmy used his voice to maximum effect
changing its volume and adding in different local
accents.

His skill was undoubtedly apparent, the audience
was captured by his amazing ability to deliver
the story and with its comedic middle verse
everyone laughed in the right places.

The children worked hard and put in a faultless
performance worthy of any professional show I
had ever seen on TV. Once they had finished and
Jimmy had delivered the last line the children all
froze not a muscle moved.

For a second there was a stunned silence, then
from the front row a man who had been on his
mobile phone for most of the performance stood
up and shouted “magnificent, bravo, bravo”.

His applause was on the verge of embarrassing,
but not for long, Nanny, Mandy and Martin
sprung into action joining in the rapturous
applause followed by the exuberant collective of
family and friends. Jimmy simply called the full
cast over to his side and as they held hands they
all took a step forward to the front edge of the
stage and delivered well deserved deep slow
bow, several times.

Just as the applause started to die down, the
man in the front shouted.

“Again, please maestro, again”.

Jimmy looked at Mr Simmons who smiled from
ear to ear and gave one slow nod “yes” Mr
Simmons mouthed the words “well done, Jimmy”

The stage crew and cast returned to their original
positions, Jimmy nodded to the sound team and
the performance started again, only this time
everyone stayed on their feet. Mandy cried all
the way through.

It was magic.

Chapter 11

The performance ran to its natural end and the
applause was as loud and as long as the first run
through. Jimmy jumped down from the stage
and ran over to where we are stood.

“Mum, did you like it?” Jimmy asks.

Mandy catching her breathe replies “oh! My love
we all thought you were brilliant”.

The families of the other children pass by and all
congratulate Jimmy on his achievement and
thank him for the help he had given to their own
children, the tributes were quite staggering, even
Mandy and Martin were being congratulated.

From where I was stood I just caught a glimpse
of Jimmy looking through the crowd to a
patiently waiting Nanny Kate, Jimmy politely
asks to be excused and makes his way through
to his Nanny,

“I am so proud of you James; you fill me with
pride in everything you do. Today was different,
today I saw my little James become Jimmy
Coburn the actor.”

Jimmy looked at his Nan and pulled on her coat
as if he wanted to whisper something.

Leaning over Nanny said “what is it James love?”

Jimmy looked into her eyes and as she turned
her head to hear, he said “No, Nan I am James
Royale, actor.”

Nanny smiled and with a croak in her voice said
“Bradley is waiting to talk to you”.

Jimmy walked over and started the conversation
with. ”It.s weird Brad, it.s only been a week but
you look older, more grown up! How.s work?”

Bradley putting his arm around his brother.s
shoulder replied “it is the best, but what about
you, that was mint, you.re going to be famous
one day”.

I just stood still and waited for my time I knew it
would not be long before Jimmy came over to
see me.

Then whilst I was pretending not to be bothered,
I was attacked from behind with a shout of.

“Harvey boy”.

It was Jimmy on his knees kissing my ears and
squeezing my neck so hard I could hardly
breathe.

Jimmy was all over me and I was pleased to see
him, however my eyes spotted Mandy she was
deep in thought concentrating on whatever it
was the man who had been on the phone during
the show was saying.

“Jimmy, here a minute” Martin waved us over.

Jimmy held onto my lead as we walked over to
where Mandy, Nanny and Martin were stood.
Bradley held onto my lead while Jimmy stood by
his Mum. The man all smiles asked Martin to tell
Jimmy what they had been discussing.

“Jimmy, would you like to be in a new drama
series for TV?” The man said.

Jimmy looked at Nanny who was nodding
furiously.

“Y.Y.Yes Please, But.....” Jimmy faltered.

The man jumped in. ”There.s a but? And from
one, so young, Ha, ha, whatever could it be? I
am intrigued”.

“Can I choose my own stage name please sir, it
is important to me?” Jimmy enquired.

The Man looked at Jimmy and thinking for a
while said “I.ll make a call”.

The day was fabulous, music played, children
sang everyone enjoyed the great weather and
the journey home was full of conversations of
Jimmy.s up and coming TV debut.

“What time is Terry Tibbs the TV agent calling
around tomorrow, Mandy?” Nanny asks.

Mandy looking at the business card confirms,

“12.45 lunch time, perhaps we could all go out
for a business lunch?” Mandy suggests.

The Next day felt just like a Saturday, busy,
busy, busy. Everyone was running in all
directions trying to get ready for the visit from
Mr Tibbs, the agent.

Martin calls his friend Bob Fry to explain what
was happening, once off of the phone, Martin
relays the good luck message from Bob.

Martin relays Bob.s message to Mandy saying.

“Bob says do not sign any contracts without
letting our solicitor see it first, now that.s
something we hadn.t considered”.

I sat in the garden looking through the gap
between the garage and the house like an early
warning lookout, a car pulled in front of the drive
and what a car, with its blacked out windows;
long black shiny body and chrome wheels.

A man got out of the driver.s door and walked
around to open the rear door, nearest the house,
Mr Tibbs got out wearing a dark suit to my
surprise another man got out I hadn.t seen him
before and I don.t think he was at the Manor.

The driver kept the door open and Mr Simmons
got out followed by Jimmy; I ran down the side
of the house and jumped up to meet Jimmy eye
to eye, oh! I was pleased to see him and a little
confused.

We all went into the house and Mr Tibbs
introduced Mr Simmons again and the stranger.

“Mr and Mrs Royale I would like to introduce to
you, Mr Ian Thornbury, he is the executive
producer of the new drama for ITV called
BULLIED”.

Everyone said hello to each other and shook
hands.

Mr Thornbury suggests “We would like to take
you all to lunch and discuss how we would like
this to pan out and hopefully thrash out a deal
and to sort out a schedule, for Jimmy.s on set
private tuition etc.”

Mr Simmons, advises Martin and Mandy he is
there to ensure they have all of the information
and advice they need.

“I am here for Jimmy to make certain he is
happy and fully understands his role in all of
this”. Mr Simmons reassures.

Mr Thorbury explains to Mandy and Martin,

“One thing I feel we must make absolutely clear
is that, this is a movie quality drama. Not just a
small part “ITV” wants Jimmy for. It is the main
leading role. He will be known all over the UK as
this character, and if things go well it could mean
personal appearances and galas just for
starters.”

Mr Simmons then went on to explain, “This is the
biggest offer anyone from Thornton Manor has
ever had, you must seek advice on contracts etc,
the pay side of things are quite standard as is
the working hours Jimmy will be allowed to
work.”

Mr Thornbury, then said “let.s go to lunch it.s on
me”.

Everyone sat in the limo and off they all went to
lunch leaving me behind to wonder how things
will change in the coming weeks and months.

Nanny Kate arrived whilst they were out and
began making herself busy tiding up and
generally messing about in the kitchen.

After a long while “Where are they boy? Where is
everyone?” Nanny asks me.

The front door opens and Mandy calls out Mum
we are back, Martin slumped onto the sofa as
Mandy waved off the distinguished visitors.

Bradley sat on a stool he had brought in from the
kitchen, Mandy walked into the room and as she
made eye contact with Martin he jumped to his
feet and they screamed laughed and danced
around the Lounge Bradley joined in too. I
thought where can Jimmy be?

I just don.t know where Jimmy could be, and
then I remembered he had another week to go
at the Manor, how could they all be so happy at
this dreadful news?

The three were still jumping around in the
lounge, when Nanny Kate walked in.

“What.s all the commotion about?” she asks.

Taking hold of Nan.s hands and walking her
backwards Martin helped Nan to sit down in the
big chair.

“Bradley, stick the kettle on mate, I think we all
need a coffee. Kate we have been out with the
producer of the show they were talking to Jimmy
about yesterday and you will never guess what
they have offered?”

Nanny sat wide eyed and with a shake of her
head said.

“No I don.t, what have they said?”

Martin laughs and Mandy joins in.

Mandy makes a noise something like a toy
trumpet, da, tra la and confirms, “10 weeks of
one hour dramas, for a run of 6 series. It looks
like it could be a four season contract with ITV to
star as”;

Martin.s voice turns into the gruff American style
voice of a blockbuster voice over man.

“James Royale a boy who fights back against
bullies, he travels around the world, with his
family who are in the Military and each week he
helps people, adults and children fight back”.

Martins face lights up with the news, “The best
part is it was Jimmy.s idea to be called James
Royale in the show”.

Nanny thinks for minute and says

“So he will be Jimmy Coburn as James Royale?
Oh he is a clever boy”.

I thought as if you didn.t already know Nan.

Bradley slowly arrives back in the room carrying
the tray of coffees, and comments.

“I don.t want to put a spanner in your works but,
do you think someone should tell dad yet?”

Everyone shouts “NO” at the same time then
laughs at the stereo sound attack on Bradley.s
comment and question.

Mandy then explains to Bradley “we don.t want
anything to spoil this for Jimmy do we? I am not
sure we could trust your dad; especially in the
mood he.s been in lately, he could do anything
just to spite me and Martin.

He would do it without considering the damage it
might do, and it doesn.t help to be sorry
afterwards does it?”

Bradley had to agree, “You.re right Mum we
should let Jimmy tell him, once it.s all signed and
sealed”.

I was relieved to see that Bradley was fully on
side, he had become closer in the past week to
Martin than ever before.

In the week that followed, Mandy rang work and
took a few days off, the calls from Jimmy were
full of exciting news from his time at the Manor;
he really seemed to be making good use of the
experience.

Martin and Bradley worked well together and
their hours just got longer and longer.

Martin whispered on a few occasions to Mandy
“This will settle down soon, it.s the start up that
is the most challenging, when you.re working for
yourself”.

Bradley looked tired by Thursday, so Martin gave
him a new project to head up.

Taking Bradley to one side he explained the task.

“This is the most important job you could do at
the moment for me”.

Taking his wallet out of his pocket and opening
it, Martin pulls out a large amount of fifty and
twenty pound notes, I need you to organise a
party for Jimmy, and you must sort out
everything, invitations, guest list, music, I think
a DJ would be best, don.t you?” Martin asks.

Bradley could not believe his eyes there must
have been a thousand pounds and Martin trusted
him.

“I won.t let you down Martin” Bradley promises

Martin just smiles and responds

“I know you won.t son.”

Standing up Martin shouts “Harvey, we have a
job to do”.

I stood to attention as best I could, my back legs
seem to take forever to respond, not so much
painful just not working well, I did my shaking
from head to tail thing, I used to love doing it
but now it just makes me almost fall over.

I thought what job? My lead was on and we were
out of the door, walking straight to the end of
Brecon Drive, left onto Mallard Rd. I thought Ok!
I am still at a loss?

Then Martin stopped outside of the shop tied me
up and went inside, a minute or two later he
emerged with a small brown paper bag, untied
me and we were off, down to the end of the road
and through the lane. Then I realised we were on
our way to;

Clifton Crescent; Aaron Wilkinson.s house.

What I didn.t know was why?

We arrived at the house of Aaron Wilkinson and
his lovely dad; I thought what on earth is going
on.

Martin walked towards to front door when we
both heard a strange sound, a kind whimper or
soft cry coming from the scrap van;

Martin said “what.s that boy?”

My nose went into overdrive, I quickly found the
source it was hidden under a canvas sheet in the
gap that used to be the front passenger seat.

Martin pulled back the sheet to expose a black
Labrador puppy about 12 weeks old, Martin
picked him up.

I asked the puppy “what.s your name?”

He just replied “Stupid dog”.

Martin asked me to stop whining, as I was
frightening the little dog.

I thought I am just talking. I knew it was the dog
which had made all the mess in the garden, it all
smelt right to me.

The downstairs window opened, Mr Wilkinson
lent out and grunted. “What do you want now?”

I may only be a dog, but all I could think was.
Yes Martin what do we want?

Martin put the small dog back into the van and
walking over to the window and politely asks.

“Is Aaron in, Mr Wilkinson?”

Mr Wilkinson looks back into the house and
shouts “Aaron it.s that bloke again he wants to
speak to you, you.d better not have done
anything to his kid, you.ll be the death of your
Mother”.

The front door opened and Dillip appears with his
sickly grin closely followed by Aaron, “I ain.t
done nuffin Mr.” Aaron explains.

Martin smiles.

“Nice puppy you have in the van Aaron, it is just
like Harvey was when I brought him home and
he.s fifteen now”.

Aaron responds with “Great story mate, what do
you want?”

Martin continues “I know you haven.t done
anything, I.m not here for that, it.s to give you
both this invitation”.

Martin pulls a card from the mysterious brown
paper bag and gives it to Aaron. The two boys
put their heads close together and read the card
aloud between them.

“In-vit-at-ion to a P-ar-ty”

Opening the card they continued reading the
inscription.

“To Aaron and Dillip we have had our dif-fe-ren-
ces but we can forget that and be friends? Please
come to my party on Saturday night meet at my
house for 7 o.clock. Signed, Jimmy”.

I thought how did Jimmy sign that? Aaron
seemed a little embarrassed, his eyes were
undeniably watering Martin asks.

“Are you alright Aaron you look upset?”

Aaron wiped his eyes and quietly said “I would
love to come to a party Mr Royale I.ve never
been invited to one before, are you coming
Dillip?”

“Yes, if you are mate” he replied.

The two boys nodded smiled and the door was
closed.

“Mission accomplished” announced Martin in a
tiny voice.

Aaron called from the downstairs window.

“Mr Royale”.

Held out his hand and shook Martins hand
through the net curtain.

“Thank you Mr Royale we.ll be there”.

Martin began to walk away, seeing Mr Wilkinson
in the window Martin called,

“Mr Wilkinson, would you and your good lady
wife like to come to our party?”

Looking quite surprised he replied “Thank you for
asking but my wife is very ill, she.s bed bound,
has been for years, but thanks for the thought. I
am sorry we started on the wrong footing”.

Martin smiled and said, “So am I, see you
Saturday boys”.

I made my way back to the van to see the little
dog, which was curled up fast asleep. Martin
gave him a quick smooth and asked Aaron an
obvious question, “tell me why the puppy is in
there?”

Aaron tipped his head as if to see what Martin
was talking about, and replied.

“What the puppy? Oh! Dad doesn.t want it in the
house, coz of the mess. You have it”.

I thought poor little thing. It made me realise
how lucky I have been in my life.

Martin said, “Aaron, I don.t know about that, I.ll
have to think about it”.

I have heard people tell about other dog owners
who have pets and don.t look after them like
Martin and Mandy look after me, I don.t think
they.re all mean or cruel. I think they just don.t
make the same emotional investment as others
might.

Martin whistled all the way home, we stopped off
at the open space where Jimmy and Alan did
their training, it seemed such a long time ago, so
much has happened and it was still only Mid-
July.

Bradley came out to meet us on the driveway.

“I have had a bit of luck Martin; Jimmy.s mates
are all on Faceplace on the net. I have contacted
them all and had responses from most of them,
they are making certain everyone else knows to
be here at 7 o.clock tomorrow.

When I called Simon Williams dad to see if he
could go to the party, I asked if the church hall
was available, guess what it is and I.ve booked
it.

I rang Moles night club and they gave me the
names of several DJ.s and live bands, and here is
the best bit. I rang Mr Simmons he is secretly
bringing all of the children from the Manor in the
mini bus, because apart from our Jimmy they are
all there for another week”.

Martin was impressed! “Well done, what.s left to
do?” Martin enquires.

Bradley opening his note pad and flicking
through the pages he begins to rattle off a list.

“Decorations, confirmation of the mobile bar,
lighting from Aces contract hire, John said as we
are giving him the work at our offices he will do
it for free”.

Mandy enters the lounge with sandwiches and
coffee.

“I have rung everybody in the family and they
are all coming including the girls from work and
Bob and Janet Fry, have we forgot anyone?” asks
Mandy

Martin sips his coffee and announces his secret
invitation he had dealt with personally. “I.ve
invited Aaron and Dillip, I want this conflict and
bullying to end; Jimmy has bigger fish to fry and

I want him to be able to concentrate completely
on the task ahead without all this childish stuff at
the back of his mind”.

I was certain he had done the right thing; I just
hope the gang will accept Martins decision.

Morning came and Martin and Mandy were up
with the larks, as usual Martin called out to me.

“Come on boy morning walks”,

I tried to get up but my legs were so sore, and
painful I didn.t mean to cry out but I couldn.t
help it!

“What is it Harvey?” asks a concerned Mandy.

Martin tried again in his best excited voice.

“Come on old fella, let.s go out, come on
walkies”

He could have said it a hundred times and as
excitedly as he liked, I could not move and I felt
very drowsy.

Mandy said “I.ll rub his legs, can you call Mum
love; I don.t want to leave him alone. Bradley
can.t stay with him he has too much to do
organising the party”.

Martin went in to the lounge and for the first
time since I was a puppy I had an accident, I wet
myself I was so embarrassed.

Mandy quickly cleaned me up and called to
Martin.

“He.s not well; I.m taking him to the vet as soon
as we get back”.

Martin gave me a good old fashioned neck rub
and it felt good, “Nanny will be here soon boy”.

Martins face did not look well either he looked
like he had worries on top of worries I just hope I
wasn.t adding to them.

Nanny arrived and by then I was moving about a
little easier, I still felt under the weather which
was sad because I wanted to be at my best for
when Jimmy came home later.

Nanny bounced into the room. She was all done
up and smelling of Chewy Lamb, if I.m not
mistaken.

“Oh! My handsome boy, how are you? Not feeling
well? It is old age, you and me both”.

Nanny.s words were a reward in themselves, as
she brought out the chew which she believed
was a surprise I gently took it from her hand and
placed it on my bed, I thought I.ll have that later
when I.m feeling better.

I was a little disappointed when I caught Nanny
looking at Mandy and asking,

“Is Martin alright? Is he upset?”

Mandy just nodded and admitted “the timing
could be better”.

Nan started to mouth words to Mandy; some had
sound others just mouth movements as if she
didn.t want someone to hear?

“What does he think about, you know who?

What does he think it is?

Is it serious or not?”

The weird thing was as Nanny Kate said, “You
know who” she looked at me.

I thought who are they talking about and why in
code; I was too tired to think.

Martin gave me a hug and reassuringly said.

“I.ll be back in a moment Harvey with Jimmy,
just lie down. Kate just call me if you need to”.

Nanny said goodbye and asked for them to send
her love to Jimmy so did I but no one noticed
they just heard a growly bark. It didn.t take long
for them to come back, I must have fallen
asleep.

When I awoke I saw a wonderful sight it was my
Jimmy looking straight at me.

Jimmy made his command clear. “What have you
been up too ehh? Come on Harvey stand up boy,
come on please stand up”.

I could see he was beginning to get upset so I
gave it my best effort and with a yelp I was up,
my back leg however didn.t stand up with me.

I just sat there like a broken toy. Martin put one
arm under my chest and his other under my
belly and in one heave I was being carried to the
car.

This was a first, usually I would have to do my
Olympic high jump, what was going on I didn.t
understand why I was being allowed to lie on the
back seat and without a blanket on the back
seat, instead it was draped over me like a Kings
gown.

Mandy sat in the back with me and Jimmy stayed
home with Nanny Kate and Bradley, they had to
get ready for the party.

Everyone looked like they had been given a
ripped five pound note instead of smiling at the
thought of a party?

I must have fallen asleep again it must be a sign
of age. I was woken up with Martin lifting me up
blanket and all. We were at that horrible place
that smelt of the lost lives of dogs and cats, its
smell can only be described as sadly unique.

A combination of Medical gas, chemicals and the
odour of a thousand animals from now and long
ago, you wouldn.t notice it but with my nose I
can smell every last individual visitor.

Once inside the lady behind the desk asks Martin
for my details. On hearing my name we were
sent straight through, fame at last. Martin and
the man in the white coat were having a long
chat about my old legs; I thought it odd Martin
didn.t mention the height of the trap door ledge
in the car.

The vet smoothed me all the way through their
chat I thought this guy knows his stuff. After
they had finished the vet turned to speak to me.

” Hello Harvey, you are an old campaigner.

I would wager you.ve seen a thing or two?”

As he talked his caring hands examined every
inch of me, he must have thought we were
getting on well as what he did next was a
violation on my person, he said it was to check
my temperature but I.m not convinced.

Martin stood with Mandy and didn.t say a single
word in my defence; I just pretended it didn.t
happen. When he had finished, he walked over to
where Mandy and Martin were stood and said.

”Mr Royale would you like to get Harvey down off
of the high table; he would be more comfortable
if you did”.

Martin lifted me down I did not feel at all well.
Martin looking directly into the Vets face asked.

“Well what is it? What do you think?”

The vet asked Martin and Mandy to sit at a small
table so he could explain, I was all ears.

“When a dog reaches its twilight years there are
several telltale signs that things are beginning to
break down”.

I thought yes, so what about me, that is other
dogs; I am in the prime of my life?

He continued “legs and bowel are the main signs
and I am afraid Harvey is showing signs in both,
I see from my notes he is 16 years old now”.

NO, I.m 15, 15 years old get it right, I grumbled
under my breath.

The Vet made some suggestions. “Now you can
leave him here with us and I can assure you we
will make him comfortable, or you can take him
home and see if he picks up, this does happen
but it will be short lived.

Or you can stay and we will help him go to sleep
secure in the knowledge you are with him.”

Mandy burst into tears, I thought sleep sounds
alright, I am knackered.

Martin Just looked at me smiled and speaking
quite slowly said “We are taking him home, can
you give him something for the pain?”

The Vet smiled and said, “I fully understand”.

Taking a glass tube out of the cupboard he fixed
a thin point to it, grabbing a flap of skin on the
back of my neck he jabbed a pin in me, I thought
charming.

On the way back I thought my back legs felt
quite numb; which was a good thing really, we
had a party to go to.

Martin once again insisted in lifting me out of the
car and carrying me back in house. I could only
see Nanny she was in the lounge, “How.s my
handsome lad then?” Her voice seemed to sing
as we entered the lounge?”

Martin replied “Mandy will tell you all about it
while I settle down our hero dog lightning in his
basket”.

I thought Cheeky sod.

I could just make out the conversation, I must
admit I didn.t get all of it as I kept falling to
sleep and waking up a few minutes later. From
what I heard I needed rest and sleep for the next
few days, the good news was I could go to the
party so long as I stayed in my basket with baby
tears, and a Nanny chew.

Chapter 12

Everyone started to arrive; first it was Carol,
Berni, Brian and Barbs.

Martin headed them of at the pass, well the hall
really and told them.

“Harvey is not at all well, we.ve been to the vets,
and he.s had an injection for his back legs to help
with the pain, with a little something for his
upset stomach”.

Barb came in first “Oh! Harvey wait till I tell Mo,
she will be upset, is he coming tonight Mandy or
staying here?”

Mandy walks in looking a vision with a glass of
wine. “We are taking him with us, that way we
can keep an eye on him”.

Mike and Gina arrive next and Mike is a little
worse for wear, staggering about and singing a
football chant.

“City, City, Brigstowe City FC are by far the
greatest team”.

Martin smiles and says “We won then Mike? Nice
one”

All of the party goers begin to fill up the Kitchen
Lounge and hall, Bradley is on the phone
shouting at people.

“Look just set up the bar and I am on my way
down, I.ll be there in ten minutes”. Bradley
blasts.

The gang arrive all together;

Alan asks “Mrs Royale, what is this party for? It.s
not his birthday”.

Mandy just winks and says “Wait and see”.

Martin calls the gang into the back garden “I
would like to thank you all for coming along to
this very special party. I have also invited
someone else you all know and I need your
help”.

Doug stands forward and speaking on behalf of
everyone replies with, “We would do anything for
Jimmy and if you ask us for our help you have
got it”. Everyone nods in unison

Martins request was just in time.

The front door bell rang a little longer than would
be normal, from my basket I could see two
figures silhouetted against the doorway. Martin
calls out hello boys come on in, it was Aaron and
Dillip.

Alan took up the advance position and
immediately realised this was the help Martin
talked to them about.

Holding out his hand Alan offered a cease fire
“No hard feelings” Aaron agreed “No none”.

Looking down the hall to the kitchen Aaron asks
“Is Jimmy here?”

Mandy shouts out loud Jimmy you have more
guests, as she shouts Aaron returns to the front
door and picks up a gift wrapped present and
enveloped card.

Jimmy came down the stairs first of all I could
hear him running, It must have been when he
saw Aaron Dillip his steps slowed to a stop half
way up the stair way.

“Hello, Jimmy can we talk?” Asked Aaron

Jimmy looked at Martin who directed Jimmy to
the garden with a nod of his head and a
movement of his eyes.

Martin, Mandy, Aaron, Dillip, Jimmy and Alan all
stood in the garden for the Pow-wow.

Aaron holding out the present says “I don.t have
any excuses, I have been a complete idiot, I am
really sorry can you forgive me? Perhaps we
could be friends”.

Dillip who is usually a man of few words just
adds “Me too, sorry Jimmy” and smiled like
someone learning to smile.

Jimmy takes the present and card and responds
“I never wanted to be enemies, so it.s ok by me,
I am glad you.re both here for the party and
thanks for the present I.ll open it later”.

Aaron.s face looked like he had seen a ghost.

“You have to open it now” he pleads.

“Jimmy; we don.t have much money and I didn.t
want to be the only person not to bring you a
present. You.re dad didn.t say what the party
was for; this is the only thing I have to give, and
my friendship, please open it.” Aarons pleads
once again.

Jimmy put the box on the lawn and Lifting off the
lid a little wet black nose poked out, followed by
a snout and two jet black ebony eyes it was,
Stupid dog the puppy from Aarons dads garden
van.

Mandy fell in love straight away. Martin liked the
dog anyway I knew that, from the first meeting.

“Harvey will have to show him the ropes”
decided Martin

Martin turned to me and asked.

“Only if that.s alright with Harvey, is it OK with
you boy?”

It was all good to me at last an apprentice to
learn from the Zen master.

I can see it now, House training, pulling game
thingy and Fox musk this boy has got it all to
learn.

Jimmy lifts the little dog high above his head,
both hands cupping the poor little puppy under
his outstretched front legs hands tight around his
middle and says. “Can I keep really him?”

Mandy is just about to speak. And before she can
answer Aaron adds the final decider “I hope you
can Jimmy, then I could come and see him as he
grows; otherwise dad says I have to take him to
the dogs home Monday”.

Well that sealed the deal, and puppy dog.s
future.

Martin announces, “We have a puppy, well what
a turn up”.

Everyone in the kitchen and garden cheered.

Aaron asks. “What are you going to call him?”

All the children were stood looking at the much
cuddled and soon to be spoiled puppy.

Dillip chirps up with “Aaron never named the
dog, his dad said no point because they were not
going to keep him”.

Jimmy stood looking at Alan and thought for a
while, Jimmy speaking directly to Alan asked a
huge favour.

“Alan, you told me once you had a great dog you
called him Chance. I have been given the chance
of a lifetime, that.s why we are having the party
you.ll see what I mean later.

Would you mind if I call this little fella, Chance?”

Alan was still smoothing the puppy, he looked up
at Jimmy grinned from ear to ear “Thank you, he
looks just like a Chance”.

The name was set in stone.

Jimmy put Chance on the lawn, instead of
playing outside Chance turned tail and ran back
into the kitchen. His next move had everyone
laughing including me.

Chance leaped straight into my basket next to
me, jumping on my back and biting my ears, it
tickled I enjoyed having the little fella jumping all
over me.

We all were ready to leave for the party when
Mandy decided it might be a good idea to put
news paper all over the kitchen floor; Chance
had absolutely no idea what the paper was for
and decided it would be much more fun to run
around in circles as fast as he could and
suddenly stop.

He could slide almost the full length of the room
with the papers flying in all directions ready for
him to jump on the crumpled sheets. We just let
him bite and shake the pages it was fun.

He had developed a whole new dog game, I
thought what a clever little boy he is, and no
trouble at all.

Leaving the house for the party, it was time for
me to have a word with my new prodigy.

“Chance please don.t messing about and listen to
me for a minute. We are going out to a party,
you must be a good boy and stay here, I am
going to let you use my basket and have a drink
from my bowl, but don.t bite my toys.

I finished me puppy lecture just as Martin picked
me up, even though I was certain I could have
walked. It was an odd feeling being carried, I felt
as though I was a bit of a fake, but the tired
feelings were still there so I decided to allow it
for now.

Everyone walked to the party as it was only
down the road, the Church hall in Priory Rd. We
all milled around talking and laughing led by
Jimmy and the gang.

It was great to see Aaron and Dillip being
included in the fun, and adding to the
conversations and general excitement of the
evening with rest of the gang.

Turning the corner of Priory Rd, on the final
approach to the hall, Martin had to exclaim out
loud “WOW”.

Lifting me higher and turning his body so that I
could see Martin prompts me to, look at the
wonderful site. “Look at that boy, Bradley has
excelled himself”.

I turned my head, the sight before me was truly
fantastic, there were banners, and bunting,
moving spot lights of all sorts of colours, and
door ushers who were dress in a type of
American military uniform.

I didn.t understand why they were in Military
clothes? The ushers were handing out
Champaign and orange juice to all of the guests.

Alan went straight over to one of the ushers and
said “Thanks mate” and tried to pick up a glass
of bubbly.

“Not yet son, when your old enough Ok”.

Replied, the usher.

The man with the drinks pointed to a separate
tray that looked exactly the same, same glasses
and everything, it was lemonade and orange
juice for the children.

The outside entrance was superb; the inner hall
was truly spectacular a mirror ball was lit with
different colour high spot lights in each corner of
the room throwing light in all directions.

I thought there must be at least a million
balloons.

The streamers draped and danced in the light
breeze from the open front entrance door.

My eyes began to adjust to the disco style
lighting; there were massive wall hangings all
with Jimmy.s face on each side and a message
just saying well done. Each image was blown up
to twice normal size.

When the music started up it was loud, I mean
really loud! It was jumping and thumping and I
one was not complaining, thumping music is
exactly what a party needs to get going.

To the right of the entrance door the whole wall
was converted into a bar with a cocktail waiter
spinning and thrown brushed steel mixing jugs
high into the air whilst adding ice to each glass in
turn.

The whole scene was incredible; Mandy could not
believe her eyes “This was the hall”, Mandy
remarks.

“I feel like we are abroad in a posh night club”
she screamed into Martins ear.

By now I could tell martins arms were hanging
off, I was glad when Martin put me down and I
sat for a while just under one of the many tables
and looked around the room the view was truly
special.

The layout of the room allowed enough seating
for everyone; Bradley had strategically placed
the tables around the room leaving a good piece
of floor for dancing in front of the stage.

I watched from my safe position under the table
all that I could see were people laughing and
hugging each other, the music filled the air and
vibrated on the wooden hall floor. Martin was
stood on tip toe trying to look over everyone.

I strained to see what he was looking for, then I
saw Bradley wave out, Martin walked straight to
him and first of all shook his hand at that
moment Martin pulled Bradley in close and gave
him a huge hug. I could clearly see him mouth
the words,

“This is fantastic”.

The pair returned to our table Martin continued
with the praise Bradley deserved.

“You have really exceeded my expectation, this
is brilliant”.

Bradley was overjoyed his eyes, face and body
emitted a glow of personal pride as he surveyed
the results of his hard work.

I decided to stay put, so not to be in the way. I.ll
enjoy the party from my safe retreat under the
table, one by one Jimmy, Nanny and all of my
friends came over to see if I was alright.

It was a little confusing to see all of these people
checking on me with such sad faces even though
the party was a happy time.

Mid-way through the evening the lights in the
hall were turned up and the music was switched
off, Nanny Kate walked onto the stage, I could
only think she was drunk and she was going to
sing, for the first time in my life I wished I was
deaf.

Standing near the front of the stage Nanny
started her short speech.

“Thank you all for coming to this very special
occasion, which I am certain you are all
wondering what it is all about”.

Everyone looked at each other mumbled and
nodded.

“I am pleased to bring my grandson James
Coburn on to the stage to explain” Nanny raised
her right arm and beckoned to the right side
wing of the stage.

Everyone cheered and clapped as Jimmy walked
out onto the stage, when the noise had
quietened down Jimmy began to explain where
he had been for the past two weeks, finishing
with the great news.

“I am going to be the lead character in a new
television drama called Bullied.

My stage name is now James Royale, a clever
child who uses his diplomatic skills to help
people, my characters parents are in the military
so he has access to all of their equipment”.

A collective oohh! Hummed around the entire
room.

Jimmy continued, “His own skills are learnt from
always moving around and never really fitting in.
Because he is always the new boy he uses his
time to help fight on the side of children and
adults to stop the criminals from exploiting
them”.

The hall went into silent shock and with one
crescendo of cheers and applause the place went
wild, Bradley threw hundreds of party poppers
into the standing crowd, who immediately
popped the lot into an avalanche of streaming
paper.

Bradley looked across to the waiting DJ who
started to play the background music from
Jimmy.s Thornton Manor recital, Jimmy looked a
little thrown for a second that was until, from the
wings of the stage his Thornton Manor workshop
friends appeared.

Jimmy started to recall his poem as loud as his
voice would allow the hall was awash with the
sounds of everyone hushing to quiet the chatter.
Jimmy gave it all that he had and his drama
friends did not let him down, I would say it was
the best rendition of the poem I had heard
Jimmy recite.

The poem stunned the party goers, most had
never heard such a thing. The applause was
hearty and well deserved, Martin was the loudest
person in the hall and there were some loud
people. Jimmy and his friends took a bow;
Bradley walked onto the stage and calmed the
crowd by putting out his arms and gesturing for
them to be quite,

“Jimmy.s party would like to present for one
night only all the way from London, your local
boy and now lead singer for the countries
favourite live band, I give you Sharky Sam and
the fabulous”.

“PINK CIGAR”.

The curtain opened as the drum beat started up,
the lights went off and the coloured flashing
lights from the stage ceiling began to scan left
and right, strobes took over the room making
everyone look as if they were moving in slow
motion; in a millisecond the party was flying
almost everyone was dancing or congratulating
Jimmy and his drama friends.

I thought this would be a good time to go to
sleep I was exhausted.

Mike picked me up at the request of a wobbly
Mandy, the lights were on and it was obviously
the end of the night, I hoped I hadn.t missed too
much. Looking around for Martin, I saw he was
putting Jimmy on his shoulders, Jimmy was
laughing and so were all of his friends.

Bradley Had completed his first big task and
passed with flying colours. He had even
organised a team of cleaners who were already
clearing away the tables and chairs.

The mini bus took off with the Thornton Manor
children and Mr Simmons, they were frantically
waving out of the window.

Aaron and Dillip wandered off home with Alan,
Doug and the girls; Mike and Gina came back
with us for a coffee.

I knew Chance may not have been completely
house trained the thought of that fact made me
worry for the little chap. The door opened and
any doubt was quickly expelled, the kitchen floor
was covered in news paper as it was left, in the
corner was a small deposit, I was proud of the
boy he did well.

Chance; greeted us with a waging tail and the
perfect puppy dog look; I knew he was going to
fit in.

After coffee Martin locked up and Mandy made
her way up stairs to tuck in Jimmy and thank
Bradley for all of his hard work.

“The party was the best ever” Mandy
congratulated Bradley and she was off to bed.

Nanny got up first the next day and checked to
see if the back gate was shut before letting
Chance out for a walk in the garden, “come on
Harvey, out you go” Nanny calls.

It must be something about the mornings that
disagrees with my poor old legs.

I could not move had had lost power in my legs
again and a horrible pain filled my stomach, I
wasn.t going anywhere.

Nanny Kate quietly calls “Mandy, Mandy are you
awake? Can I come in?”

You could clearly hear the reply from the landing
hall outside Mandy.s bedroom.

“Yes Mum what.s wrong?”

Nan explained that my legs have gone again

Martin Answers “He.s going to need the vet
again, I.ll get up now Kate, and he.s probably a
bit stiff in his haunches”.

Nanny returning to the kitchen calls Chance in
from the garden, flicking on the kettle she seems

to stare into the distance as if she was recalling a
distant memory.

“Harvey, are you going to be OK?” asked
Chance.

I allowed him to snuggle up to me in my basket
even though he is a fidget. “I.ll be fine” I replied.

I hated this visit to the vet for two reasons, my
injection but most of all the injection Chance had
to have, the poor little thing yelped with fear.
Martin held Chance and I told him not to worry.

Martin asked if there was anything else that
could be done to make me more comfortable, the
vets answer was the same answer I would have
given.

“You are doing everything Harvey could wish
for”.

What a week we had following the party. It was
an endless stream of visitors, mainly from the TV
administration office in London.

Mandy had to take another week off of work. I
didn.t hear it myself but Chance told me he
heard Mandy telling someone on the phone she
might not be able to go back to the fruit and veg
shop.

Jimmy was here there and everywhere, wardrobe
fittings, script meetings and Martin had been in
negotiation with the TV legal people almost every
day.

I knew it would soon be Saturday and by my
reckoning it was a “yes dad Saturday”. To me it
was obvious Jimmy and Mandy had forgotten. I
just hoped Bradley or someone would remember
soon.

Bradley did his best to hold the fort. After
Bradley.s work with the party Martin knew he
could trust him. At last Thursday came and as

Bradley came down the stairs reminding His
Mum. “Mum I.ve got to call dad to see what.s
happening Saturday”.

Mandy slapping her hand onto her forehead, I
forgot it.s your dad.s week. Jimmy will be
pleased” Mandy sarcastically remarks.

Nanny Kate decided to talk to Jimmy this
morning while she was helping Mandy in the
kitchen.

“James love, you know you are going over your
dads this weekend?”

Jimmy slurps through his Chocó Bombs cereal
“Yeah! Do I have to go? We start filming next
week; I need to practise as much as possible”.

Nanny Kate replies “Now stop making excuses
you know you have to go, and that.s why I want
to speak to you before you go tomorrow.

What are you going to tell your dad?”

Putting down his spoon, Jimmy asks him Mum
“What should I tell him? He will go mad. What if
he tries to stop me?”.

Stood in the doorway behind Jimmy is Martin and
behind him Bradley listening to the conversation.
Bradley pushing through to the kitchen passes
Martin and offers a bit of big brother advice.

“Jimmy you can tell dad or not, it is up to you. In
your position I would tell him some of it and see
what his reaction is. If it.s good tell him more; if
not tell him nothing”.

Martin smiled and shook his head.

“What are you shaking your head for? “ Mandy
asks Martin.

“I can.t believe how grown up Bradley has
become recently, Bradley your dad will hardly
recognise you”.

That.s what I shook my head about, Martin
explains.

I may be old and decrepit however even I could
see the changes in our family over the past
month or so.

We were five and now we are six, Chance has
given, good reason to be hopeful for the future,
Jimmy will go on from strength to strength and
Bradley has become a man and it is still only
July.

Chapter13

Tears before lunch was the order of the day
when the boys came back from their dads.

“It could have gone better” Bradley says opening
the report on the events of the last 24hours.

Jimmy just theatrically flings himself onto the
floor, a little dramatic but like Nan said.

“Leave him he.s an actor”.

Mandy insists that everyone calms down
especially Jimmy. “What happened and I need to
know everything”.

Bradley sits back on the sofa and cracks open a
can of cola, handing to the can to Jimmy he
says.

“Sip this and calm yourself down, it.s not that
bad”.

Martin joins everyone in the lounge as Jimmy
complains.

“I told dad I am going to be James Royale in a
new TV drama”.

“And what did he say?” enquires Nanny Kate.

“He said over my dead body”. Jimmy snivels.

Bradley slurping his drink adds. “You could have
cut the atmosphere with a spoon it was that
thick, Brenda had to put her bit in as usual to
make matters worse”.

Why what did she say Mandy asked.

“She laughed and called Jimmy a dreamer, she
said all actors are gay, I told her that was
rubbish and dad went mental at me”. Bradley.s
report ended.

I might only be a dog, but I have to say I am not
surprised Jack acted in that way, it can.t be fun
to find out your son wants to change his name to
the name of his stepdad. What makes it even
more unpleasant, to then broadcast it to the
world in a television drama rubs salt into the
already open wound.

He was never interested in Jimmy before and
now all of a sudden he is.

I for one say too late mate!

Monday morning and the cars arrive to take
Jimmy off to the studio with Mandy and Nanny as
chaperone.

The excitement is tangible; Bradley and Martin
waved them off before getting on with sorting
out Chance and me on their way to the new
office.

I have had a strong word with the little fella to
make certain he understands we need him to be
a good boy, especially as I am really not doing
well, the pain in my stomach is getting more
painful and I have had too many toilet accidents
recently, I don.t like talking about that its
embarrassing.

The rehearsals seem to be going well according
to my spy in the camp Chance, he keeps me
informed since I don.t go up stairs anymore, and
well it.s not worth the effort really.

It.s been four weeks of solid work for poor Jimmy
and Nanny Kate looks fit to drop, what with
having to help Mandy and Martin look after the
house and taking it in turns going with Jimmy to
the studio each day.

Nan said “The public don.t know the half of it,
they sit in their chairs and think all the stuff on
TV just happens, well I can tell you it don.t”.

Martin has asked Bradley to go to see a new site
in Salisbury next week, just to measure up and
work out what.s involved.

I think he is looking forward to going on the train
more than anything else.

“He.s a bit young for all this responsibility love;
don.t you think?” an anxious Mandy asks Martin.

Martin just laughs, “He.s not going on his own I
am sending him with Bob Fry.

It will do them both good to have a day out
together. I must remember to tell Bradley to ring
his dad to say he.s not going over.

I don.t think they will be back until late on
Saturday. I needed the report earlier really, but
with Jimmy.s first filming on Friday I thought it
might be best if I am here”.

After the filming Jimmy ran into the kitchen and
sat on the floor and told me all about it. Chance
jumped around being a real menace, I was really
concentrating on every word Jimmy spoke.
Nanny Kate kept butting in, as she does making
sure Jimmy didn.t leave out any detail no matter
how small.

Jimmy excitedly recounted “Harvey you will
never guess what? They are making action
figures of me and the rest of the cast. My
character is A.J. STORM and my dad in the
show is Major Brandon Storm he is a strategy
expert? I’m not certain what that is”.

All the time Jimmy was talking Chance was biting
the edge of the basket, showing no interest at
all. I hope Jimmy knew I was interested.

“Tell him about the hook” Nanny Kate prompts.

Jimmy explains “The hook, yeah it’s great. Each
week the show opens with me and my mum in
the show, who is a military languages expert,
Captain Laura Storm and my screen dad
travelling in our JEEP through a new military
base checkpoint.

The scene cuts to me opening my suitcase, and
here it is, THE HOOK.

My case has a different base badge for each
week and kids can collect them!”

Jimmy.s eyes were as wide as saucers as he took
a big breath in.

I really was listening, only it might not have
looked that way because I couldn.t lift up my
head or open my eyes to let him know.

Jimmy.s words faded to a distant comforting
sound as I fell fast asleep.

Waking up with a room full of people milling
around is a bit of a nuisance, especially when
you just want silence. I had to call Chance.

“What is all the noise about?”

Chance stood looking around the room, I thought
for a moment thicky. He really does not have a
clue what.s going on. Then as if he had a minute
of clarity “DVD” came hid one word response.

Who is DVD? I asked. “It is a Jimmy DVD”
Chance replied.

I could only think this is as clear as mud.

Martin was the saviour “so, Sir is awake then” he
said looking at me, “come on Harvey boy, me
and Bernie will carry you into the lounge in your
basket to see Jimmy.s film CD”

I was over the moon.

The show started and Nan was under orders not
to keep talking. It was just as Jimmy had said
only more, the opening tittles were glossy bright
and loud. Words on the screen read

MEDIA WEST presents

BULLIES

Staring

__________________

Jonathon Rush

As

Major Brandon Storm

_____________________

Rachel Lewis

As

Captain Laura Storm

The scene changed and we saw our Jimmy for
the first time, opening up his suitcase covered in
military badges from all over the UK and the
USA, the words filled the screen.

INTRODUCING

JAMES ROYALE

As A.J. STORM

The music was a mixture of drums and brass
band, as the drums faded Jimmy had the
opening lines as he narrated the introduction to
the first episode.

“My name is A.J. Storm; I have travelled
from elite base to secret military locations
with my parents and their team, I have
made friends in many countries. In my
adventures I have used my skills and
military equipment to right wrong and save
victims from the BULLIES.”

The show went on for a about an hour and to my
amazement everyone stayed quiet, that was until
the end. At the last minute just as all was lost for
the family in the show A.J Storm used his
father.s special listening equipment to gather the
evidence to catch the criminals in the act of
extortion, as the criminal gang made an attempt
to go after A.J Storm, his Ghurkha army friend
TEK LIMBO who is a fighting expert steps in and
sorts them out once and for all. The show then
ends with Jimmy shutting his case and closing
the door to his room the drums start and it was
the end.

The room was in rapture; “Jimmy, this is a hit”
signals Allan.

Jimmy stands up and goes off to the hall, a few
seconds later he walked back into the room with
the first of over twenty boxes, each of which he
brings into the room and stacks in the middle of
the floor.

“What is this?” asks Mandy

“It is a box of merchandise for each of you; it is
all of the figures and the equipment I will use in
the show each week. Plus military play suits for

my friends and a copy of the listening headset
from episode 1.” Jimmy answers.

By now all that I could hear from my basket was
the murmurings of constant chattering in the
room, Chance sat on my bed with me, relaying
every detail of the evening, who was stood
where, what they were saying and how Jimmy
was enjoying himself, Chance had become my
eyes and ears and now my replacement, looking
after Jimmy and the family now and forever.

Chapter 14

I wish everyone didn.t keep on about weight!
Why would I need to be fat at my age? Lean and
mean that.s me. It is odd how things progress at

a pace one minute you.re having it tough and the
next you are in the lap of luxury and living it up.
I am getting on well with Mo, we went to the
park today, I ran around a lot trying to find the
Fox rolling patch, Mo didn.t. I don.t think she felt
well; Carol was upset too which started Mandy
off. If you.re not going to enjoy being at the park
then why make the effort to go? That.s what I
say.

Bradley has been working away a lot for Martin
the past five weekends he.s been all over the
country. I can see a real difference in the boy,
and he.s got himself a girlfriend she makes a real
big fuss of me and even takes me out for walks.
I like the chocolate buttons she sneaks me when
no one.s looking, she smells nice but I.m not
sure about her name though: its Katrina, Bradley
calls her Kat, not very helpful all I want to do
when he say.s her name I bark and run out into
garden scanning the fence.

It sounds like the first series of Bullies is a
roaring success Jimmy is on TV talk shows all of
the time, he even gets fan mail mostly from
girls. Jimmy was talking to Mandy and he said
“Going to his dads these days is a little easier, I
think it.s because it is just me and not Bradley as
well”

Mandy being a little cynical added “which isn.t
too big a surprise considering his son is a mega
star, odd isn.t it how the snipes and jeers stop

when there is some street cred down the pub to
be hijacked”.

Martin shouts from the lounge Now, now there.s
no need of that Mandy Royale.”

Everyone is so proud of Jimmy and Bradley, they
both work extremely hard. Jimmy has been
working hard all summer on the chance he had
earned. He had become a stronger as an actor,
more assertive as a person and much more
confident as an individual; all in one summer.
The hardest work was realising his dream, the
one Harvey told me about just after he found me
in the van. Jimmy.s dream to be Jimmy Royale,
he didn.t change his name in the way he thought
he might.

He did it without offending or upsetting anyone
in fact last time Jimmy came back from his dads,
Bradley was in “Roadbridge” which is up north
somewhere. When Jimmy came back his dad
dropped him off as usual. He jumped out his
dad.s car and waved him goodbye then ran in the
house full of smiles. I was on the drive playing
with my ball, I can play out the front now we
have a fence and gates, Martin had it put up to
stop people walking straight up the drive and
knocking on the door asking for Jimmy.

Jimmy ran in screaming with laughter and said
“you will never guess what happened over dads,

you will laugh your head off”. Mandy couldn.t
believe the expression on Jimmy.s face “what are
you going on about” she asks.

Jimmy catching his breath fell back onto the sofa
with his legs stretched out still laughing under
his panting “Dad decided not to go to Monster
trucks this weekend because he said Bradley
wasn.t there and he knew I wouldn.t want to go.

So he took me into town, we went to
“Burgerama” I think he was shocked by the
number of people pointing at me and saying
hello.

He could not have been as shocked as I was
when we saw some bloke from the pub, Barry
somebody. Dad said hello to this man, and they
were talking when the bloke suddenly looked at
me and taking a step back, pointed at me and
said “Bullies” on TV your; that A.J Storm! And
this is the best bit dad said “yes it.s James
Royale my son. I nearly fell over, the man asked
for my autograph so I signed it;

To Barry all the best

James Royale.

I could see dad face it was full of pride. Jimmy
jumped to his feet and with a yippee he shouted
at the top of his voice,

“I AM, JIMMY ROYALE, AND EVERYBODY KNOWS
IT”

I heard that Harvey once said, “I knew from that
point on, everything was going to work out for
the best. Even I could see the changes in our
family over the past few months”.

I am Chance Royale and I say, We were six and
now we are five, Harvey gave me good reason to
be hopeful for the future, Jimmy will go on from
strength to strength and Bradley has become a
man, it will soon be Christmas and a happier
New year.

As for me, well; I am just grateful to have known
a great dog like Harvey:

Sleep in peace, my friend.

The END

Or

Perhaps it is a new beginning.