BLIND VISION

The storm was of rain more than lightning and thunder and yet it paled into significance to the storm in Howard's mind. His heart was dead as if it had been cut out of his body. The only thing inside, was a hollow, empty feeling and yet it felt as if his insides were being twisted somehow. Like a flannel being wrung out.

He let out a cry of pain along with the past as it came flashing before his eyes. The accident and seeing Joey's vacant look from where his life force had ceased to work, to the look of his mother before she died. The expression in the eyes said it all. When the eyes sparkle they have life, it was like looking into the porthole of your soul. Jasmine's was dull until he helped her out and that sparkle was as bright as her dress this evening. His father's was dull to the problems Howard had inflicted on him. He had been the source of so many people's suffering! Their dull lifeless eyes showed what he had done. He had now done this to Chris, Anne, Arnold , that Peter and after the argument with Beth he had done this to her.

A curse was all he has come to be! Anne's words were true! He had killed his mother, he had killed Joey!

He froze as he walked along the path and saw one figure of a child, a young boy who pointed at him!

“You killed me Howard! You made me walk on that side of the road. I wanted to go to the park but you had to have your own way and take us to our favourite spot. You took away my happiness!”

“I, I didn't!”

“You are a murderer!” The vision vanished before his eyes and as he climbed over the wall he was met with another ghost of his mind. His mother.

“Mummmm. D, diiiddd I, I kiillll y, y, ooou too?”

“My son. You may have worn me down a little, but my death was not your fault.”

“This lad killed you and you know it! He drove me to drink and placed me under strain. Now look what he has done. Your precious Howard has alienated another family, drove them to despair!” The vision of his father fell before his eyes as he joined his mother's side.

“He is misunderstood John!”

“No the people he has exploited and used are the misunderstood. This boy deserves to be done away with.”

“I'll do him away! After all he is a freak and he should have done more to save my baby!”

The vision of Jack Collins joined in as Howard defended himself, “I trieedd, t, too s, save h, him!”

“Even his speech is cursed. He can speak normal when he wants and yet he does this act for sympathy!” John Muster spoke with hate filled anger as he pointed at Howard.

“Howard will speak okay one day. But not now. He has a speech impediment caused by the incidents in his life.”

“In which he killed me!” Joey was back with another man. The man was Lord Covington.

He spoke next, “I was drawn towards this boy in the car. It was as if he had the power to control my actions. I tried to turn the wheel away but I couldn't stop the car hitting them and killing me. You murdered me Howard Muster like you murdered us all!”

“Let's take him to his favourite spot and hang him!”

“Howard, you must go. Your father has spoken.” His mother stood out of the posse's way and Howard was led along to the hill by John.

 

“I wonder where he has gone?” Beth asked as she sat deflated in the chair, feeling a little guilty at herself for the things she had said in anger.

The front door opened and in came Arnold . The look of hope in the young girls eyes made Arnold feel guilty, “We can't find him. He's not in the village. This storm is bad a bad one, he'll get pneumonia or something!”

“Maybe he's gone to see that tart.” Anne spoke up whilst looking out at the storm through the window as the rain lashed against it.

“Good idea! We'll go down there and find out!”

Peter stood and zipped up his leather jacket, “No. I'll go. I can be there in minutes and if he's there I can call you.” Then looking to his future mother in law he asked, “What's the girls name at that place?”

“Jasmine.” The reply was from Arnold who went a little red for his sins were in that place and all knew it. Though to his credit he hadn't been there since.

“Okay. I'll be back with Howard before you know it!”

 

 

The rain out was bad and the side wind made the ride into town not a lot of fun. Still he had avoided all the speed traps and slid up and parked the massive bike right outside. Walking in he smelt the tobacco burning like incense. Pete noted the guy he wanted to see and walking through the gap while the bouncer was looking at a little scuffle over seating he walked into this Simon's office.

“I need to see Jasmine!”

Simon hated people who didn't knock! “Why?” He replied coldly.

“Because a friend of hers and a client of yours has gone missing.”

He leaned back into his seat knowing full well who it was, though for the hell of it he asked “who?”

“Howard Muster. Is he with this woman?”

“No. She has just finished with a client and I can't let her speak to you without a certain fee imposed.”

Peter couldn't believe that this man could be as cold as this and yet with a sigh he asked, “How much?”

“The going rate, though you have to be a member.”

“Look! I haven't got the time. All I need to know is if she knows where he has gone?”

Simon matched the sudden coldness from this intruder, “And you will know this after you are a member.”

Peter sighed again before conceding, “Where do I sign and how much?”

 

 

Jasmine had just got decent again, when the door knocked and Simon entered.

“I've got another client here for you.”

“Hey! I've just finished. I'm allowed a smoke break.” She bit back feeling the old hate for this place more than ever. Jazz felt like a battery hen, only of use when she is laying eggs all day long in the confinements of her small box like area inside the massive warehouse which grew rich over the abuse of those poor creatures. The same was here and this girl wasn't having any of this!

“You will do as I say! When under this house you will be available for anything I deem fit for you to do.” He closed the door on the client and decided that this was the time for private discussions.

“Oh go to hell!” She chucked a half filled can of drink at his head only for it to miss and splatter the old wooden door with its contents.

Picking her bodily up he pushed over and onto the bed forcing her to cease her fighting. Now pinning her shoulders down with his knees he leaned down and spoke softly to this girl.

“I can arrange for you to visit hell permanently!”

Jasmine was in pain from this man's weight and to think she once thought this guy to be the nicest man in the universe!

“What do you want me to do?” She asked through clenched teeth.

“The client is a friend of your Howard. He just wants to pay for a little time to ask you a few questions. That is all and after you can have your nicotine break.”

She felt the weight come off of her allowing her to breath properly and move her shoulders and as she did this tall handsome man came in.

“Was there a problem?” He asked as he noted the wet contents of one can on the floor and some of it sliding down the door and dripping off of it.

Jasmine inhaled a deep breath hoping that it might steady her voice, “No problem. What do you want?”

“I was wondering if you know where Howard might have gone?”

She pricked up her ears but remained cautious, “Who wants to know?”

He understood and felt the truth would be more quick, “Sorry! My name is Peter Scot. I am engaged to Elizabeth Lane and, heck we had a confrontation this evening when Howard came home.”

“Oh no! Did he tell Elizabeth that he loved her?”

Peter felt as if this woman's eyes were boring into his flesh in search of the truth that his soul was trying to keep hidden and yet she was making him confess!

“Yes. Beth didn't take it too well and I well, I kind of hit him and he left. We thought he may have come here.”

“No. Howard wouldn't come here. He took me to a hill once out in the countryside. It over looked the village and he said it was his and an old friend, um, Joey Masterson's favourite spot. I think if I was Howard and upset I would go there.”

“Thank you Miss?”

“Just call me Jazz.”

Then she had a thought, “If you could pay for me to get out of here for an hour or two, I could show you where. Though I have only been there once. I know the place.”

“Even in the dark and in a rain storm?” Pete asked doubting the woman and yet her reply filled him with belief that she could.

“Even if I was blind folded!” Then sorrow washed over her for her friend. “Besides Howard is my friend and I would go crazy not knowing where he is.”

Simon raised his eyes heavenward feeling a sarcastic reply issuing from his mouth, “Oh, how touching!”

 

 

The car was moving slowly up and down the main road in a bid to find one lost lad. Chris had rang home to see if by a remote obscure chance Howard had came back. Though the answer in the negative was what was to be expected he still found it disappointing. The bad feeling was eating its way into his soul now.

“He isn't in the village or along this road. We are just going to have to give up. We have tried the spinney where you first found him, the old house and still he is missing!”

“Arnie! I ain't giving up. I think he is out to harm himself.”

Arnold shifted uneasily in the passenger seat at what was now being suggested, “You mean like take his own life?”

“Yeah. You know a while back about telling me that Howard and Beth may fall in love and I went a little mad at this.”

“Oh yes I remember!” Arnold recalled that well.

“He did fall in love with her and yet, I did nothing to stop him. I thought it was just a kindred love first, then over the past weeks when Pete turned up I noted him change. Yet I said nothing. May be, just maybe though it may sound crazy.”

“What?”

Chris looked at his friend by the glow of the interior light of one stationary car, “I thought that Beth and Howard would be the ideal match. Both have big hearts and both always look to the good in people. It just seemed good in my eyes Arnie. To me I would have given them my blessing. So when Peter asked my permission, I felt that idea die and somehow this marriage to him and Beth didn't seem so appealing as Howard and Beth. But what she said to him and how she spat him out was like her mother and I just couldn't believe all that went on. This is one big nightmare that will only go away when Howard is safe and sound at home in his bed.”

“You really love that kid don't you?” As If Arnold needed confirmation of that.

Chris looked out at the night and the bleakness of the road highlighted by the car headlights, “Yes. Like my own flesh and blood.”

Nothing was said as the rain bounced off the metal shell. Arnold just watched a single bright headlight move slowly towards them getting larger and larger until the roar of a motorcycle came to a halt in front of the stationary vehicle and two people got off almost running to meet them.

“It's Peter and a girl!” Arnold almost shouted as he wound down his window.

Peter crouched down and looked in, “I have brought Howard's friend Jasmine. She thinks she knows where he may be.”

The girl was by Chris's window and he opened up the door and stepped out and got a face full of cold rain as he inhaled before asking, “Where?”

“About a mile down this road there is a bus stop by a gate which when climbed over will take us to a hill that over looks the village.” She had to shout through the helmet and was relieved when the man understood.

“I know where you mean. I'd forgotten about that! Come on let's get going!” He stepped back in and turning the car around he allowed the bike to take the lead.

 

 

The whole walk to the hill was a daze as Howard battled against the wind and the rain and the occasional slippery patch of mud to reach the hill and there on the hill stood the old tree with the old stone underneath the elderly swing that had long departed from off the nylon faded orange rope.

“Time for you to end your miserable life boy!” Came the vision of Anne lane.

“Only cripples die here Howard. Do it quickly! For I shall not miss you when you have gone. I have Peter to look after me now!”

“Beth! I loved you!” He shouted as his body twisted with the emotional pain and the promise of not crying was broken as he shouted out in pain, “Goodbye to you all! I shall not burden your lives again!” The voice was normal as if he had exorcised some demon and was now allowed to speak freely before he passed away.

“Howard! Don't do it! My life wouldn't be worth living with out you!”

He looked at the newly formed vision of Jasmine.

His reply was short, “I have to. The benefits of the many outweigh the needs of the one. I am the burden and the burden will be lifted from tonight.”

Standing upon the stone and wrapping the rope around his neck, making sure he could tie a good secure knot. Though why worry when he had Jack making sure it was all right and proper.

“Oh yes! That will do the job. Say goodbye to this world Muster!”

Howard looked at Jack and nodded, then to all the figures as they glowed a white glow like ghosts. He looked at his mother who was crying. John was laughing along with Joey and Peter. He smiled at them and at Jasmine last. Though he noted she was wet through and looking with horror at him.

Smiling at doing the world a favour he slipped from the wet rock...

 

Lightening leapt across the sky and the figure of one man dangling caught the groups eye!

All froze except Jasmine who shouted, “Howard!” and ran up the hill to try and lift the weight of the man to stop the hanging in process.

She called out to the frozen figures, “Help me!” As the weight was almost unbearable along with her grip failing with the rain soaking everything on Howard's limp body.

Peter helped the girl to take his weight while Arnold reached into his pocket and pulled out a big knife. The rope made a snapping sound as it was cut from around the boys neck.

The group fell to the ground as Chris cut the noose from the Howard's neck.

“Is he breathing?”

Peter put his ear to the limp man's face. Looking at Arnold he smiled, “He is still breathing. Best get him to hospital.” Jumping up he shouted back as he ran, “I'll go ahead and get them ready for you all.”

He took off, back the way he came and left the others to pick up the boy and place him into the car. Chris was glad that it wasn't miles away only just about four, otherwise it would have taken a lot longer to get Howard to the hospital.

 

Once at the hospital the professionals took over and Chris took the opportunity to phone the house and let them in on tonight's tragic events. The feeling he had was gone now and only a fear that he could loose Howard by suffocation or worse he would be a vegetable. He couldn't help but feel anger at his family and annoyance at his own lack of control back there.

 

“What is the outcome doctor?” Jasmine asked the first one out of the room.

He smiled, “Oh he'll live. No permanent damage. The oxygen starvation was only enough to knock him unconscious. We have sedated him, so he will sleep through the night. The only problem is…”

“What?” She felt cold at the uncertainty in his eyes.

“From what we understand, he might just choose to waste away. I'm not beating round the bush here, but if he decides to give up living there is nothing we can do. From his records and notes, it looks as if he has almost given up in the past.”

“And this latest incident could just push him over the edge.”

The Doc sighed, “Maybe, maybe not.”

With this bad news hammering her heart Jazz felt the need to ask, “Can I stay with him?”

He smiled and nodded with understanding, “Sure. I will arrange a bed for you.”

She closed her eyes and thanked God for helping them find him in time. Though the news for the present wasn't a comfort at all. Jasmine let go her emotions and cried for a while as she went in to sit by Howard's bed.

Chris looked on at this girl. She didn't act like a woman of ill repute like you get in those movies. He felt she was more than meets the eye and was thankful in his heart that at least Howard had another friend in the world apart from him.

“That Simon wants to know how longer she is going to be.” Peter said quietly.

“Who's Simon?”

“Her pimp. I had to pay for her to get out tonight. The money has run out.”

“How much?” Chris mumbled.

“She isn't cheap!”

“I'll pay anything he demands as long as Howard has a friend by his side when he wakes up.”

Arnold had been ear-wigging the conversation and decided, “No, I will pay and visit him personally. I get better rates.”

Chris walked over and took the man's hand feeling as if just maybe Howard had more than just one loyal friend, “Thanks mate!”

“Heck it's the least I can do, for a friend like Howard.”

 

 

The room was cold at night and the place was silent apart from an elderly man over in the bed opposite who kept grunting roughly every half hour. Jasmine was offered a bed and yet she wanted to be just here by Howard's side as he rested, oblivious to the world around him. Simon could take a run and jump! She didn't care if he came in here now and demanded her to come back! The threat of violence was not going to intimidate her and he couldn't exactly take her forcibly from here. Could he?

She rested her mind on the now and reaching out she touched Howard's forehead and felt the warmth.

“I wonder what you are dreaming about?” she whispered. “If, I could touch your dreams, I could tell you just how much you mean to me. How, from the first time we met I knew you to be a friend, a long lost friend.” She felt as if tears were going to let the side down again along with the voice which was threatening to break. “You've always treated me like royalty and understood me to be a woman of value. Not just some tart to be used and abused. You treated me with kindness and dignity, you have been the only one to see through my title and know the real me. You've not been prejudiced, you hate what I do and yet you love me for being me.”

Did all this make sense or was this babble at three in the morning?

“I can understand why you wanted to kill yourself as I have felt the same before. People only want you on their terms and have no interest in you, unless they can get something from you. In my case it is obvious. In your case it's your heart. I never asked for you to spoil me and in many ways I did not wish that. But you wanted to bring something special into my life, you made me little less than a princess. I will never forget that, though all I really wanted was not possessions but.”

Jasmine paused and took hold of his hand before saying what she really wanted to say, “You. Don't leave this world Howard. Stay here and be with me, be my life long friend, my kindred spirit, my knight in shining armour.”

Then as a few tears rolled down her cheek and her voice broken, Jasmine managed to say those words she had found so hard to say to any man as she held his hand tightly to her chest.

“I love you!”

 

Jasmine cried herself to sleep and dreamt nightmares of funerals with Howard in a grave and how nobody came. It was a mixed disturbed night and one that kept bringing the vision of Simon laughing at her and wrapping her in chains and taking her back to her prison with no escape after Howard had departed from this world.

 

“Hey! Lady! I brought you a cup of coffee, it has one sugar in it, I hope you don't mind?”

Jasmine opened her eyes and realised she had fallen asleep on Howard and that somehow his arm had rested over her. Moving gently she looked up to see a big man holding out a plastic cup of steaming coffee. The sweet smell hit her senses first.

“Thanks!” Her voice croaked with dryness, though it fired up her mind to remember the name of the guy, “Arnold Riverman isn't it?”

“Er, yeah.”

Tacking a sip she found the old throat was getting moisture and freeing up the voice box.

“I haven't seen you round the club for a while. I trust you are feeling better now?”

Again the big man fidgeted on his feet before replying, “Yes, the whole body is fine. Little niggles here and there but nothing to worry about.” He paused before confessing why he had not been around, “I don't go there anymore. Well, I went there last night to pay Simon some cash to keep you here but that's all. I'm not going to do that sort of thing. Howard was right about me and well, he kind of helped me see the light. Since coming out I hardly have a beer now and I've devoted my life to celibacy, I think that's the word?”

“I'm sure Howard has appreciated you doing what you did, as do I. I will pay you back.”

He raised his hands, “Ah, no! Any friend of Howard's is a friend of mine and I don't expect to be paid back for a gift.”

Jazz smiled a thank you before asking, “How long have I got left?”

“He said for you to be back by eleven. Another client. Simon also said he will be very upset if you are off your form.”

Typical Simon! Another person only thinking of profits. Jazz should have known that when she met him and yet the wine and dining and all that blinded her to the real person until she was trapped.

A deep breath and a cough turned the conversation towards Howard who opened his eyes. At first no voice and then it came with the force of a hurricane! “Why am I here?”

The voice was slow and yet did not a stutter, “Howard your voice!”

Yes! His voice was normal and he remembered last night. How somehow he had lost that stammering in the heat of anger and then he remembered the incident and felt his eye, the cheek bone was sore like his throat.

Though he was a slow speaker his voice was working well, “I am not dead then?”

“No, you may have well been if it wasn't for Jasmine knowing where you were!” Arnold spoke up.

Howard looked at Jasmine, “How did you know?”

“I was informed by Peter and came to find you.” Jazz wanted to hug and kiss him but chose to remind herself of Howard's broken heart. So chose to look at him and ask, “Why did you want to do such a thing?” Though Jasmine knew really.

Howard remembered the taunts of his mind and the feeling of worthlessness, “I felt as if I was not wanted anymore.”

“No way buddy! I love you, Chris loves you! You should have seen the way he was cursing himself last night! Even Jasmine here said she loves you.”

She gave him a cursory look as if asking how he could possibly know that?

“I was in here when you said what you said.” Arnold confessed while fidgeting a little more at the uncomfortable way he had put his foot in it.

“Do you care for me?” Howard asked in the slow but clear way he was now getting used to.

“As if you need an answer to that. I care very much about you.”

“She stayed by your side all through the night!”

Jasmine gave him another hard look as if to say shut up on the revelation stuff.

Howard clutched her hand, “Thank you my friend!” Then looking beyond him he noted that no one else was here.

“Where is Beth?”

Jazz felt her heart sink a little and yet her heart told her that he would always feel a lot for the girl that almost killed him last night, “Outside.”

“Can you bring her in please.”

She nodded and felt his warm touch leave her. Picking up her cup she walked out with Arnold shadowing her every move.

Outside there was a glum view. Chris was rocking in his seat looking like a mentally ill patient. Beth was lying in Peter's arms and he appeared to be asleep from exhaustion. The only one missing was Anne who had stayed at home.

Looking at Beth she gave Howard's words, “He's awake and wants to speak to you alone.”

“Thank God!” Chris shouted as if a weight had been taken from his mind.

“Just me?” Beth asked on edge.

“Yes, just you.” Jasmine watched the girl get up and take a few hesitant steps towards the ward door before disappearing inside. Now that Peter bloke was looking on edge. It was like how she felt herself.

Beth approached the bed and began letting out her feelings before he could get a word in edge wise, “I'm sorry for saying the things I said! I didn't mean them, it was all in the heat of the moment...”

He raised his hand and butted in, “It is not your fault! I was the one who was selfish last night.”

“Oh no it...”

“Please!” Howard now got silence from his puffy eyed beauty queen. Though he loved her with all his heart and that heart still twisted as if a knife was still imbedded inside, he had to say something that came to his mind before he wakes up to this nightmare and will want her back. “I love you with all my soul and I was heart broken when y, you wanted to marry Peter. Though I feel the way I do, it was selfish of me to act the way I did. Beth, you have my blessing and my sincerest wish that all will go right with you and Peter. How could I wish you bad, when all you have done in your life is show me kindness. I am glad and content now to be your brother. I was foolish to think otherwise.”

“Howard, you understand that I could never love you like that. It wasn't a rejection of you personally. I have grown to love you as my brother and I couldn't think of you in any other way. I hope that one day a woman will come along and deserve your love. I am sorry for driving you to this.”

“No Beth, my selfishness drove me here. Your mother was right. I allowed my circumstances, my own self pity to rule my judgement. I used to lock myself away in my room when I should have been trying to work things out with your mother. I should have been more of a help around the house. More of a family member than I was. I should have held to my mother's belief of always being of an aid to people. Instead I hid behind my father's shadow and locked myself away, choosing to run away from life than to face it. It is only recently that I have learned to face up to life. I thank you for showing me my error Beth.”

She didn't understand all of this and had to ask, “I have your blessing to marry?”

“Of course!”

“Will you come to the engagement party in two weeks?”

“If I am still h, here.”

Elizabeth had forgotten! Howard's last weeks were upon them and she felt guilty at forgetting this. Had she too become so selfish as to forget the needs of others?

“You had best tell Chris that Jasmine needs to go home now. Tell him and the others, thanks for coming after me. I will always be indebted to them for their kindness.”

He watched her go and as he looked over at the sideboard by his bed he saw something shine. Reaching out he held it close to his eyes and saw it was the silver dress ring. Clutching it tight he kissed it and felt sorrow for loosing Beth, but there was nothing he could do except live with the hole in his heart and hold onto the memories of them together, laughing and playing games when they were younger.

TIME FLIES

Howard returned to work a few days later and put his whole heart into it and did as much as his body would allow him to do, though it was hard as some days the body struggled to work properly. Beth had given him an invite to her engagement party which was going to be held in just over a week at the public house. Howard laid bets with Arnie on Jack and Rosie Wells getting the function. They had constantly popped into the shop for stupid things and were offering their pub if the couple wanted to have their engagement reception there. He smiled over his marmalade and toast at the creepy way Jack had the ability to grovel. He probably polished Peter's leather boots and motorcycle for a week and Rosie brought him breakfast in bed and when really desperate they would give him free drinks or a free meal and worst comes to worse, they would open a bottle of champagne to celebrate the couple's engagement every night and drop a heavy hint about how nice it would be to celebrate it here in buffet form!

Beth came floating down to the table and took a look at what he was reading, then blushed a bit as she realised it was her hand written invite to him.

“Do you think you can come?” she asked at last.

“I will do my best.” Then after taking a small bite of toast and swallowing it he asked, “So, it's at the pub then?”

“Yes. Jack and Rosie insisted we hold it there. They said it would be nice to have us celebrating it in the public house with a large buffet and loads of sparkling wine. It would be a fine day for the village and something good for all to be involved.”

Howard chuckled, “And good profit for the landlord having all the village in his pub paying top dollar for his spirits!”

Beth pulled a half-smile, “That thought did cross my mind.”

The postman made his usual crashing sound as the post for the shop and the house came this way through the front door.

“Post Beth! Probably more well wishers wanting to come to your party!” Anne shouted from her kitchen.

“I will get them!” Howard announced as he took a trip to the door over the rug and grinned like an idiot at Beth who giggled like a school girl. It was amazing that how all the friction was gone after that evening and all was running smoothly. He opened the wire top cage which held the post so that it didn't go all over the floor and sure enough there was more letters for Beth and Peter from people they had never spoken to. Then another caught his eye, an important brown one with a postmark from London of all places and it was addressed to him.

“Well? More post from people we don't know?” Beth asked then saw the frown on her brother's face. “What is it?”

Looking at her he replied, “A letter from London , addressed to me?”

“It is your birthday tomorrow.”

“I know, but I thought my father would have placed a cheque in the post if it was for Chris?”

Beth took the post off Howard and noted another one, “Hey! My parents have got one as well. Must be a solicitor acting on behalf of your dad.”

“Must be!” Howard replied while feeling the need to leave the letter where it was. He knew that tomorrow he was leaving this place.

“Post, post, post! I'm sick and tired of more post. How many people live in this dam village?” Chris came out with as he hit the floor after jumping from the third step up.

“One here for you and mum.” Beth gave him the letter ignoring his semi-humoured grumble, “Howard has one the same.”

Chris looked at Howard and knew what the boy was thinking, he had felt the same as each day came closer to his departing. Opening the letter he read it out loud.

“Dear our names. I have been instructed by my client to request that you attend a meeting with myself on tomorrows date at eleven to be advised over Howard's future. You will find this discussion to your benefit and Howard's. Please be prompt as the meeting is part of my tight schedule. If you cannot make this deadline then please inform me as soon as possible. Yours sincerely, T. Drew.” He looked at all in this room and asked, “What do you make of that?”

Anne's voice came from the kitchen, “It means we are in the money my dear! And Howard is free to leave.”

Chris looked at Howard and asked, “You shall not be leaving before the engagement party?”

“I...”

“He will be leaving here. If he wants to stay else where for the engagement that will be fine!”

Howard wanted to avoid an argument and so chose, “If I have some money, I will be staying locally for your party.”

“Good! Then all is well. Best get down and open the store. Pension day, always brings in the money!” Anne announced and took off her piny and moved out.

Nothing else was said and Howard was left to open his letter which said very much the same. He felt tense. Tomorrow was going to leave him homeless and on the rocks. To fend for himself in a world that treats disabled people a little different. Not all people did, he knew that. But there would always be an element who look to exploit ones like him.

The rest of the day was a blur and even when he rang Jasmine and told her of his imminent future it all seamed like a bad dream. In the evening he packed his stuff and closed up his poem book. He hadn't written a poem for a while. He had no desire to. Then Howard just sat in the semi empty room and looked out of the window. The clouds parted every so often to allow the big round moon to shine on the ground. He watched a creature of the night scurry away and noted that he in many ways would be like that animal in just under six hours time. Sorrow fell over his heart like a veil over the face of a grieving lady on foreign shores who had witnessed the loss of her husband, her dearest and closest friend. The veil Howard was wearing was for his friends asleep just a few doors down. No more boat trips with his foster father and no more walks with Beth and no more scowls from Anne. Heck he wasn't going to miss those black looks from her!

 

 

The time passed so quick as the day dawned on Howard's bed as he sat and looked at the orange sky. It was apt with the saying, 'Red sky in the morning Shepherd's warning.” This day was the last then off to an evening of staying at a strange place and a lifetime of warnings.

He praised himself for staying up and watching the night through to day. Now it was time to lift his case full of memories and take it down stairs. Beth and Peter were going to run the store while Chris and the dragon were riding shotgun on the train to London . He wished Jasmine could be here. Then again she was tied to her job.

Trains were not his favourite form of transport especially as you had to leave at the crack of dawn and by the time you were halfway through it was rush hour and the carriages were full of perspiring business men and women in their suits giving you the evils because you were sitting in their usual seat. The train stations came and went and all too soon Waterloo came into view.

Howard stood in awe at the size of this station and felt the people pushing him towards a man who was going to take his ticket. Once through he waited for the others.

“Bit pushy aren't they?” Chris moaned after rubbing his shoulder from the elbow he received from a rude young man or had it been several rude young men?

“No, We are the rude ones for holding them up. We are the slow country bumpkins who have stumbled into their world, a world of fast moving people in a high paced life!”

The woman's eyes were a glow as if taking in all this an envying the people who worked in this nightmare of high stress and high mortality rates from heart attacks and fast food! Both men looked at her as if she was mad before Chris pulled them away to find a taxi.

The driver knew the place and after loosing an arm and a leg from what they regarded as a very high fare, they stood in front of a large building which had a polished metal sign of the owners. ‘Drew and co.'

“The guy on the letter owns all of this! How could your father afford this guys rates?”

Howard had to agree with Chris. How could his father afford a posh solicitor in this part of London , unless? Unless he got a big promotion on that ship he was on or something? Maybe he had gone back to the oil rig and was running one of those? The answers would soon reveal themselves. Howard was sure of that.

 

The office was a big one as they filed in to find the room covered in shelves with books on law in rows upon rows, all smelling a bit old and musty. There was a big wooden desk and behind it a large green comfy looking leather chair with wooden arms. The desk had a computer on it and a pile of work lay in a tray. The coffee machine puffed and panted its way through making a fresh pot. Howard and friends were encouraged by this man's personal secretary to take a leather chair each and as they did the chairs made rude sounds in protest of having three common people sit on them.

Chris got fed up with sitting there and was caught fidgeting with a metal puzzle of some sorts when the man came in and glared at him.

All three stood to attention as he walked in front of them. Looking down his nose and through his glasses he muttered, “No need to stand to attention here, sit down, sit down!” He waved them down and the chairs made their rude sound which Anne apologized for.

“What?” Drew asked as he sat in his chair which elevated him above them.

“Making a noise sir!”

“What noise?” He waited for a reply then decided he didn't care, “The name is mister Drew. I own this company. No need to give your names I am familiar with them. Do you know why you are here?”

Howard knew and took a good look at this man with a round face and a bundle of grey hair that swept over the top of his head and down towards his white collar, all greased and well kept. His suit was a dark grey number with pin stripes of a lighter grey. The man had a look of being well fed and watered.

“We are here because you invited us here.” Chris chose and felt shot down by this man's impatient and hostile tone.

“You are here for the money promised you for looking after this young man. Payment for boarding him over the past...” Drew looked through the pages and found the age he was and is now, “Eight years. Eight years of sweat and blood and now you require some compensation for all the trouble he has caused you. Would you not?”

This man eyed them like a vulture eyeing up its prey. Chris answered for them again as fear had gripped the others, “It has been our pleasure to look after Howard sir! Um, Mister Drew.”

“So you don't want any money coming to you then?”

“The money would be an advantage!” Anne came to her senses at this point, hoping that this man wasn't trying to get John Muster's money back.

“Of course it would!” He stood up and walked round the back of them talking as he went, “This world thrives on cold hard cash! The millionaires of this world make their money by being cold hearted. This in turn flows down to the next in line and all the way down to the petty criminals who want some of this unloving money to ease their suffering and pain from the gutters that they reside in. Get used to it! Money makes this world go round and there is no shame in wanting some.” Then he picked up the pot of coffee and asked in a totally light-hearted tone, “Coffee anyone?”

Drew poured them all a coffee and left them a selection of fresh cream or milk and a choice of brown or white sugar, or if they wanted none at all. He laid it down on the tray and watched them nervously partake of the offering as if it was their last supper before going to the gallows. He liked this power over weak individuals. It had taken him years to climb in power and finally own the business, not from his father. This empire he had bought out from under a weak minded no-hoper who had just scraped through to get a law degree. When Drew was in his twenties he promised himself to take out the older bloke and had done it by the ripe age of forty. Now twenty years on he was still king of the hill and one of the most feared men in the profession. And it cost people time and money to sit on his top quality chairs and drink his imported coffee.

Talking about money it was time to get down to business, “You are wondering just how much you have been given?”

Again the colder hearted one spoke up, “That was on our minds.”

“Well my dear!” He took a sip of this high quality coffee and felt the warm glow filter down his body and in an instant it hit his kidneys.

“My client was most disturbed by recent incidents and wanted me to make sure the lad is quite well.”

“What do you mean?” Anne asked feeling this Drew get under her skin.

“The suicide attempt. You cannot deny the fact that this Howard Muster happened to be accidentally walking up a hill in the middle of the night, a stormy night and he happened to get tangled up on a noose and slip off a grey granite rock do you?”

“It was not of their doing sir. I was feeling low at the time.”

“Caused by this family!” He interjected only for the boy to add.

“By my own doing! I upset Beth their daughter and I felt so bad that I decided to end my life sir. It was no one else's doing but my own.”

“Umm.” Drew allowed the silence to hang for a moment before continuing, “My client has weighed all matters carefully and has left at my liberty the sum I may give you for your time and effort.” He watched the woman eye him over her coffee and the man didn't seem worried about the cash and Howard was upset. “After looking into matters I have decided on this payment.” He waved a cheque in his hands and followed through by giving it into the woman's hands as she was the most hungry at this point.

Anne blinked at the amount before handing it to her husband who read the figure aloud, “Two hundred and eight thousand pounds!”

“Based on the figure of rent to you both of two hundred and fifty pounds a week from the age of thirteen. Two hundred and fifty multiplied by fifty two weeks of the year give us thirteen thousand pounds. Now times that by eight years Howard has been in your house and you have a total of one hundred and four thousand pounds.”

“Yes, but this cheque is twice that amount?”

Again Drew eyed this man like a teacher would a rude interrupting pupil in a private school. “The amount has been deemed fit to be doubled on the basis of a thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of Howard here. Now does that amount meet with your approval or do I rip that cheque up and start again? Bearing in mind that I may see fit to reduce the sum in my re-calculations.”

The look from this hardened man was enough for the husband and wife to nod in unison that the sum was enough, more than enough in Chris's mind.

Drew now turned his attentions to the boy, “You may well have noticed that I sent you a separate letter did you not?”

Howard suddenly stiffened and sat up straight almost spilling his coffee though he didn't get a hard look from this man, in fact this man was almost smiling at him! Why? He chose to answer, “Yes I did Mister Drew.”

This drew a bigger smile from him. Then looking at these others he said, “Do you wish these ones to be present when I divulge your benefactor and the amount of money disclosed to you on this your twenty first birthday?”

“I wish these persons here to be present.”

Drew raised his eyes and shrugged his shoulders, he would had preferred it to be done on a one to one basis.

“I'm sure my father has very little left over for me.”

The boy said this so slowly and without emotion and yet how far wrong could he be. Drew sat on the edge of his desk and picked up the paper and the details of this boys life.

First he had to put things straight. “This has nothing to do with your father. He is not your or their benefactor!”

“What?” Chris asked while pinching himself to see if this was just a dream and he would wake up waiting to go to London .

“My client found out that your father had not stood by his agreement. He sadly had squandered the money promised to be put by every month for you all. My client placed me onto the case and I found the account and all the moneys gone.”

He looked at Howard as a father bearing bad news to his son, “Your father has gone missing. The cargo ship he was on landed in America ready to off load its contents and your father decided to off load himself. Nothing has been heard of him since and that was five years ago now. I'm sorry.”

“Who is Howard's benefactor?”

“Lady Covington?”

“Please! We shall answer that after I have told you what you have in your private bank account.” Drew replied irritably at all these constant interruptions and the extended length of time wasted on this subject.

“I don't have an account.”

Drew sighed, was he going to have constant interruptions which will, if the truth be told make him late for lunch.

“Please! No more questions. Just listen.” He eyed them all and found no more questions, just silence. “You have an off shore account with a vast sum of money which has been given to you by the Covington family.”

Howard reached out and took the account details and stared at the number and all that this piece of paper had on it. But the balance was covered.

“Just how much is in here?”

“Please feel free to guess.”

“A thousand pounds?”

Drew laughed at this boy! Just how naive was he? “No, the total amount in there is six million four hundred and ninety seven thousand, eight hundred and three pounds and seven pence. There is always pence when interest is paid on it.” He added and saw the look of astonishment on the boys face.

“Your a millionaire Howard.” Chris mustered out of a shocked body while Anne was silenced by the sheer amount.

“The account was initially opened by Lady Covington and as she slimmed down her overheads by selling off that manor by your old home, plus selling off her husbands companies, she consulted with her only son and he decided on the amount to place in this, your account. He said it was only fitting for a man who had nothing, who had lost everything, to be given a means in life in which he could fulfil his dreams and live out the rest of it as his late mother had asked and how he had felt compelled on the first day of meeting you to do the same.”

“Alexander Covington is my benefactor?”

Drew nodded, “Yes, he took over your welfare when Lady Covington fell ill. He is an honourable man and very rare in generosity.”

Howard felt elated and yet felt sad for his friend, “When did she pass away?”

“Two years ago, though she had been ill for quite some time.” Then looking at his watch Drew decided to bring this meeting to an end. “Your bank book Mister Muster and other details will be passed onto you by my secretary.” Then shaking the lads hand he said; “I wish you well in your new life. Don't spend it all and don't flitter it away on women!” Then straight faced he added, “Is there anything you wish to pass on to Alexander?”

“My sincere thanks and my condolences on loosing such a great mother. I know how he feels.”

“I will pass that on. Good day to you all!”

 

The feeling as all walked out of that meeting was one of disbelief and no one spoke all the way home until they got in.

Beth came rushing up and greeted them with, “How did it go?”

“We have been paid well for Howard's upkeep that is all you need to know about us. As for Howard, heck I can't believe it myself!”

“What? What is it Howard?”

“I am a millionaire, with my own credit cards and cheque book and account!”

“Wow! Congratulations Howard!” She grabbed hold of him with joy that such a good friend and brother could receive such a blessing from someone.

“Alexander Covington gave this money into our hands. Howard's father did a runner.”

Chris smiled before adding, “I think a glass of something strong is called for here and Howard! Please stay another night, at least till you get your situation sorted out.”

Howard looked at Anne and no objection came from this woman who was overjoyed at her fortune as she went on, “Two hundred and fifty thousand pounds! We can afford to close the shop for a week or two and go somewhere exotic this time!”

Howard caught Chris's eyes and read the thought of a miracle had happened that the shop could actually close for once and not just at Christmas. Plus go somewhere exotic? Un heard of before and now at last a reality! Howard was happy for them and as he sipped his brandy he stepped out into the darkness. Raising his glass to the sky he thanked Lady Covington for her love and kindness and said his farewell to such a wonderful woman.

 

CONGRATULATIONS?

 

The public house was aglow with various lights and decorations hung almost everywhere. The back room was full of all sorts of food from savouries to sweets and the bar had row upon row of sparkling wines. The engaged couple looked into each other's eyes as they smiled for the cameras and the music whirled in the air. It appeared that most of the village was in the public house celebrating the alliance of two special people.

A bus pulled up on it's second to last journey of the night and as the driver opened the door he turned to a man sitting right at the back in the darkness.

“This is your stop buddy!” He watched the figure stumble forward and nodded thanks to him before stepping off the bus and out into the cold night air.

 

As the bus pulled away the man saw the public house with it's doors open to everyone. So side stepping a large puddle he walked towards the building in search of some information and may be a place to rest his head for the night.

 

Howard sat and watched Chris dance with his daughter while some chap caught Peter's arm and started to talk to the lad who looked like he had had a little too much bubbly. He observed the many just grabbing all they could of the free stuff, while others dared not to for fear of being perceived as greedy. There was always opposites at get togethers. A man tapped him on his arm and sat down on his table.

“Not celebrating then?”

“I have been and I have not been.”

Arnold looked bewildered at this statement and replied, “What?”

Howard widened out his thoughts, “I have been celebrating for them and I also have not been celebrating for I am away tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow! Where?”

He smiled at the sorrow expressed by this man before continuing, “I have brought myself a boat.”

“Yeah? What type?”

This caught the guy's interest, “a forty one footer!”

“What sailing type?”

“No, twin engine model, with maximum speed of twenty five knots.”

“What make?”

“Princess four fourteen.”

“How much?”

“Sixty nine thousand pounds.”

Arnold whistled before adding, “You could buy yourself a flat with that! Still not as much fun though. What's it like inside, what has it got?”

Questions, questions. This guy was interested! “Large central double berth with en suite at the stern, 'V' berths forward plus toilets and shower room. It has a convertible dinette area opposite the low level gallery. The galley has a four burner gas stove with oven and a grill, double sinks and extractor along with all the mod cons and all the electronic gadgetry you need to plot a course across the Atlantic .”

“You going across that sea?” Arnold asked full of surprise.

“No, not now. The rest of the summer I will go round England . Maybe next spring when I feel more confident I will go over to France and travel from port to port taking in the local scenery.”

“That boat can't be new for that price, when was it built?”

“Nineteen eighty five.”

“Surely you could buy a new one with your money?”

Howard laughed, “And this from a man who said I could buy a flat with the money!”

“Yeah, a bit contradictory wasn't it.” Then Arnold 's smile faded as he held out a hand and waited for Howard to take it before saying what he wanted to say, “I'm going to miss having you round. I wish you well on your sea journeys. Always remember to respect the sea. If a storm is coming, head the other way.”

“I'll remember that.” Howard laughed at his friends concern before adding, “I am getting lessons on how to read some of the newer equipment. Chris's boat is a bit out of date to the stuff I have.”

“Yeah come along way from star reading and crows nests!”

As he grinned, Howard looked over and noticed a man walk in wearing a long black woollen coat. He had some kind of heeled leather boots all worn at the front and the back. Not a man from these parts he thought to himself.

 

Rosie had just poured one of her regulars a drink when she spied this elderly gentleman walking up to the bar and the smell hit her first even above the smell of smoke from the countless cigarettes in this joint. Still he was a customer.

“What can I do for you sir?”

“A whisky for my nerves.”

“One whiskey coming up!” She poured a shot and put it in front of his nose.

He slapped a few coins on the desk and shoved them over to her side of the bar. “What's going on here then?”

“A party! Two young people have just got engaged.”

“Oh.” He seemed none to bothered at this and went on to ask another question, “Do you know a man by the name of Peter Scot?”

“Oh yes! He has been staying here, In fact this is his party!”

The man's eyes narrowed, “His party?”

“Yes he is engaged to Elizabeth Lane the young girl over there and there he is… Peter!” She pointed to the tall man who wore a beautiful smile, shame about this man as he was scowling.

The man left his drink and walked through the dancing crowd slowly until he was within spitting distance of the chap.

“Do you remember me!” he shouted.

Peter's smile evaporated upon seeing this man yet replied, “Do I?”

The man pushed him hard sending him against the wall, “Because I remember you!”

“Please sir! If you remember me that must be impossible for I have not been in these parts for long.”

“Either have I. How dare you stand here and feign ignorance!”

“You must be drunk. Had too much of our hospitality I think!” Peter laughed and joked at this man's expense.

“You owe me big and this party?” He shoved the man again, “What is the meaning of this party eh?” A hand came out and rested itself on the tall dark stranger. The man spun around.

“It's time you left sir!” Jack Wells suggested to this drunk.

“I am not leaving until me and lover boy here has had a chat!”

“What about? I do not know you!”

“You heard what Peter has said time to leave, or do I have to throw you out.”

“Throw me out!” The man shouted, “You should throw him out like he did to me...”

Jack and a few others now decided to get forceful and throw this drunk gentleman out before he had anymore chance to ruin the proceedings.

“Stay out and don't come back!”

“I will be waiting for him, tell that scum bag that. I will be waiting, waiting!” The man said as he moved slowly into the darkness.

Jack went back inside where a stony silence fell. He walked up to Peter and asked, “Are you sure you don't know the man?”

Peter smiled “No! Never seen him before. Just a drunk trying to start trouble.” Then turning to the majority of people he announced! “Come on lets dance the night away. Enjoy this time and let us not let a drunk spoil our fun!”

The music started up as Howard stepped out into the night only to be stopped by Chris.

“Where are you going?”

“To find that man.”

“Why?”

“You must have heard what he said about being thrown out by Pete.”

“Yes I did.” Then he rested a hand on Howard's shoulder, “Why do you have to start all this again? Peter is a decent guy. The man was drunk and mistook him for somebody else.”

“No, he wasn't drunk and he knew the man's name. He knows something.”

“Howard! Leave it be. You are going tomorrow. I will check into it and find out, after all she is my daughter.”

He was going to protest and yet felt the need to let Chris do the work. “Okay, let us go back in.”

 

 

The following day he loaded up his boat which he had converted into his home over the past few days and made his way over to the place he wanted to go before kissing this part of the country good bye. The club was quiet first thing and Howard found not Simon but his father sitting behind the desk.

“Ah! If it isn't the rich cripple!”

So much for not being like father like son. Now Howard knew where the charm came from. “I wish to see Jasmine.”

“If you want to see you have to pay!”

“I'll pay. I want to allow her to go out with me.”

“I will let you on one condition.”

“What's that?”

“I allow two of my men to follow you.”

“Why?”

The man pulled a fat cat expression from his face before confessing, “I heard that you are leaving town for the sea. I wouldn't want one of my prize assets going aboard and not coming back.”

“Your rumour mill is right. Though I have no intention of sailing away with such a prize asset.”

“Still, best let me have my own way.”

Howard smiled, “You have a deal.”

“Good, good!” He stashed the money and gestured for the lad to go.

 

As usual when Howard came here the stairs made his legs and back ache and today he ached for a different reason. He was leaving this woman behind. The hallway smelled of damp as if the roof was leaking and getting behind the plaster walls.

He knocked on her door and got Rose.

“Oh, sorry I was looking for Jasmine.”

“She's here. I'm just on my way to do some shopping.” She bent forward and gestured for him to come closer, “Jazz, is not herself today. A little low spirited. I think this place gets her down.”

Howard nodded with understanding and allowed the woman to depart as he entered to find Jasmine staring at the mirror. Not at herself as he first thought, no she was playing with something by her ear and then he recognised it. One of the silver earrings he had got for her that time of the posh meal. Now he could afford to stay there and dine for as long as he wanted. How things change!

“Do you remember these?” The girl asked as if in a dream.

He walked over and stared at her in the reflection of one dirty mirror covered with dust, or was it face powder? He answered with his new found confidence, “Those are the earrings I got you the night of our posh meal.”

“Yes! The night I stepped on your toes and we laughed at those laughing at us. How things change.”

This echoed his thoughts just now and Howard felt he had to defend himself with, “Not much has changed.”

“No, I'm still here while you have found your fortune.” Jasmine stood up to face this man now, “And now you are going away!”

Howard felt sorrow and knew the truth had to be said, “I have to go. There is nothing for me here. Beth is to be married soon...”

“How about me, is there nothing I can do to make you stay?”

He looked at the floor as she talked on.

“I thought so. I knew I could never keep you. I always thought one day you would fly the nest and find your own home somewhere. I hoped that Elizabeth might have changed her mind when you found your money. In that way you may have stayed close.”

He looked up and saw the sadness and a little bitterness mixed in her words.

“If you want me to be close I will stay.” He offered.

She half smiled, “No Howard. You have your life, I have mine. I know my future is here. Like you know your future is out in the sea.”

“I could try and get you out, offer him money.”

She shook her head, “No, he wouldn't sell me to you or anybody else. Simon is happy to share me for a while, but to let me be free? No. He wouldn't want that. The only person to be happy is Simon. No one else is allowed that privilege.”

“I could set up a bank account for you and…”

“And do what? Happiness can never be brought! Happiness is something to be shared with a friend, like our walks together, like the time you saw my grandmother and we went to a play. That dinner was special! I will not forget these times Howard. They meant so much to me that when I die, I will make sure I recall those times and with my last breath I will thank your name. I'm not angry at you for leaving, I am not bitter for you. I'm happy that a good friend of mine has broken his bonds of slavery and found his freedom! I only mourn your absence. The hollow feeling left, a void that cannot be filled by no other man.”

He stood there confused a little and yet not knowing what to say and so he said what he felt, “I don't know what to say?”

Pulling herself round she clutched hold of his arm, “Say nothing! Let's see this magnificent vessel you have in the harbour!”

He felt her grip upon him like a vice not wanting to let the item it had go. He took her down the steps and out through the front of the building. He had quite forgotten the looks some gave you when they knew you had a prostitute upon your arm. He had let all those prejudices go. Though he still detested the actions of these women, but had remembered his mother's advice to not hate the person, especially a person who couldn't leave as the two minders reminded him as they shadowed his and Jasmine's movements.

The boat was a long and slender boat, almost looked like a big speed boat and yet once aboard it had all the modern conveniences of home including a television and DVD recorder, a large fridge and many other things!

“It's just like a house isn't it?”

“Yeah, in fact I often forget that I'm aboard. I half expect to see the fields when I open the curtains. It comes as a shock sometimes to see water around.” He handed her a cold drink from the fridge.

Jasmine took it and remembered to ask about the boat's name as she had failed to take note before boarding, “What's she called?”

“Muster's pride! I had it renamed. The other name wasn't right.”

“What name was that?”

“Lovers nest!”

Jasmine laughed, “What an awful name to call a boat!”

“Especially as I haven't got a chance of being in the position to be loved!” Howard laughed then stopped as he caught her look.

“Oh Howard, With your money you can any woman you want!”

“Only a woman who wants my money. Not the half of a man that is me.” He sipped his drink before adding, “Besides the woman I want is engaged.”

“Don't put yourself down. You will find a wonderful woman who will love you for you. A woman who truly loves a man doesn't care about his wallet size, his physic or how he dresses. The heart is what matters and you my friend know how to treat a woman. You know how to make them feel wanted and special. You will find a perfect lady one day.”

He looked into her eyes and found the inner reaches of her soul only to be dragged out of there by someone tapping on the window. Looking he found Chris. He signalled for them to all come in.

“We thought we had missed you. Wasn't till we saw the Muster's Pride that we knew you were still here!” Chris shouted as he came on deck and saw two bouncers looking at him, “You think you are going to have trouble at sea?”

Howard smiled, “They are here to make sure Jasmine goes home.”

Chris placed his arm around this man's neck and pulled him close, “Does she want to go home?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure? I thought she had taken a shine to you my son.”

“We are just friends. Besides my heart still belongs to someone else.”

“Oh. Well I checked into that man's appearance only to find he had gone again. No where to be seen. Must have been a drunk after all eh?” Chris was glad he had steered the awkwardness away from Beth directly.

“When is the wedding day?”

“I think it will be soon. You know what an impatient wife I have!” Now feeling awkward as the conversation had like a ship trying to get out of a bad storm, steered back into it involuntarily.

“Where is she?” Howard asked looking around.

“Back home with Anne.”

Howard sighed, “Well at least you are here to wave me off.”

Arnold came rushing over after talking to Jasmine, “Did you give him the letter?”

Chris frowned for a moment then he remembered, “Oh yes! From Peter, he expressed a desire for you to be his best man at the wedding as he hasn't got any close relatives or friends.”

Howard took the note and handed it back, “Tell him, thanks, but no thanks. I won't be here for the wedding.”

It was Chris's turn to sigh before trying once more, “I can't get you to change your mind?”

“No.” Howard looked at his watch, “High tide! Best be going as the day is still young.”

“Goodbye buddy! Don't forget us here will you?” Arnold gave the lad a big hug before handing him over to Chris.

“Take care of yourself out there and I just wanted you to know that you were the best son I never had.” He too hugged Howard hard then apologized for hurting him.

They stepped off the boat while Howard looked at the girl, a girl who had been a good friend, “I will come back here and see you again. I promise.”

Jasmine placed a finger upon his lips, “Don't make promises you cannot keep!”

They hugged each other and all too soon Howard had to leave her embrace in favour for the sea which was waiting to embrace him and his boat.

Arnie threw up the ropes as the bouncers stood back and as he threw the last rope to free the vessel he shouted, “Your free of your moorings Howard!” and waved frantically.

Howard saluted them and then waved as the boat powered up and left the jetty. He noted Jasmine run which caused panic in the bouncers who decided to run with her and as she reached the end she shouted, “I love you Howard Muster!”

The boat moved away and Jasmine's heart went with it, wishing him all the best and God's safety be with him in his life.

 

OUT OF THE BLUE!

 

It's funny how days out in the sea can make a man think more clearly than he has ever done before. Howard had many days away through the autumn and on into the winter. He had thought long and hard over Beth and her decision to marry Peter. He'd had open debates with himself aloud knowing that no one could hear him, yet the peace and goodwill for Beth he couldn't find for her, no matter how hard he tried. That man in the dark was a puzzle and the way Peter had no relatives or friends. Must you be the only lonely soul Howard Muster? Even he had friends. Jasmine was his friend and he found himself constantly worrying about her. The last words from her echoed in his ears and around his heart. He had convinced himself so much of his love for Beth and the ground they had in common that he had blown any other woman out of the water. And still he came back to this dark haired, jet black eyed lady of slim proportions and an astonishing personality that dwarfed others.

He opened his poem book and again felt sorrow for one who couldn't escape her situation and how helpless he felt.

 

Life hurts you,

What can I do?

Your eyes bleed,

As pain cuts right through,

But what can I do?

Your heart pangs,

What can I do?

Life misleads you,

It mistreats you,

But what can I do?

Your body is in prison bonds,

Manacled to a life of hate,

The boys are your jailers,

And paid time is their hater,

That makes your heart falter,

But what can I do?

So my heart will bleed with you,

As there is nothing I can do.