by Sam Carlton
Georgia found it easier than she expected to walk away from work and spent her initial few years of freedom raising her children and relishing that she could, rather than having to earn a living and leave them with childminders. When the youngest had started nursery she signed up for an Open University course in Film Studies, writing her thesis on Cary Grant. Shortly after completing her degree, she got a part-time job writing the film reviews for the local newspaper.
Her three boys were so like Matt it was frightening at times. Each had his own greenhouse to grow plants in: Adam chose fruit, Robert chose vegetables and Tim selected cacti. Sophie grew flowers but, much to Georgia’s delight, lacked the obsessiveness shown by the male members of the family. Georgia had hoped that with everyone who so desired having their own greenhouse, she would reclaim the windowsills but it didn’t seem to follow. Meal times were often spent in earnest discussion about soil and fertilizer, each boy keen to hear his father’s opinion on the matter. The way they spoke, their intonation and their body language gave her an insight into Matt’s formative years. He didn’t have many photos of himself as a child but seeing Adam, Robert and Tim was like having it acted out in front of her eyes. Only in Sophie did she see something of herself, her fire and drive.
Gyp adapted well to country life, the only problem being there were many more plants to get stuck in his fur, particularly cockleburs. He wasn’t initially keen at the arrival of Luke and Leia, the Golden Retrievers, but warmed to them eventually when he realised he was smarter than both of them combined.
Matt and Georgia never moved house again. It was what both had hoped for, a happy family home. Georgia erupted when Matt or one of the boys trampled mud through the kitchen. However, if Gyp, Luke or Leia were the culprits she didn’t say a word.
Georgia occasionally regretted her decision to quit Blokebusters and couldn’t help wondering what might have been whenever she saw news of the company mentioned in the press. It only took Matt or one of the boys to proudly present her with the latest produce he’d grown to snap her out of her reverie and make her realise she wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else in the world.
Matt continued to get decent haircuts for the rest of his life.
Leo & Fiona
When Fiona received her two million pounds share of sale proceeds she had a splurge on handbags to get it out of her system. She bought a mews-style house in Highbury and she and Leo moved in. He accepted that he would never see colour on his walls again. One of Leo’s colleagues realised who Fiona was and he was sacked for withholding his story from the paper. She’d been sacked shortly before so was able to sympathise with him.
Soon after, Leo was offered a job writing an Agony Uncle page in WOT magazine, so impressed were they that he risked (and temporarily lost) his career for love. The magazine offered Fiona the Agony Aunt page and she joyously relished reading all the interesting sexual problems and queries she received, phoning Georgia if a particularly good one arrived. Often, in the early days of their relationship, they’d spend the day in bed – answering their letters and trying out recommendations on each other.
Fiona became Mrs Kelly six months after moving in together and they honeymooned in Hawaii. Initially Leo felt awkward about Fiona’s wealth. When she pointed out that if he hadn’t sat on the story she might not have come by it, he realised he was being silly and should be proud that his wife was so smart.
Two years into the marriage, Fiona fell pregnant with their first child. Fiona refused to let Leo call him Gene or Ned and they eventually settled on James. Three years later twins, Laura and Simon, completed the Kelly brood.
They enjoyed frequent weekends at Matt and Georgia’s, both always glad to get home to their quieter, calmer, whiter, less bustling home.
Joshua & Emily
Joshua was disappointed when he learnt Georgia had signed the contract for seven million. It saved his company four million pounds but meant he’d lost Georgia.
Matt was courteous when he handed over the website and his systems and suggested Joshua consider Emily for the role he’d wanted Georgia to perform.
Emily was thrilled with her million-pound windfall and enjoyed working in Blokebusters enough to accept Joshua’s offer. It didn’t take him long to realise that Matt’s suggestion was a cunning one. Emily had many of Georgia’s qualities but in a more malleable personality. By the time the UK offices were open in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff they were lovers.
Emily moved to New York with him to help set up the Blokebusters office there and by the time they moved to establish premises in LA, they were married.
Every city in every country where offices were opened yielded the same results: overwhelming success. Joshua abandoned all his other forms of private detective work.
Joshua ran the business for twenty-five years until their only son, Chet, was ready to take over.
APPENDIX 1 – Matt’s BLOKEBUSTERS client questionnaire
Name of target male: __________________________
His job: __________________________
His age: __________________________
Where is he from? __________________________
Your relationship to him: __________________________
Has he cheated before? __________________________
Why do you suspect him? __________________________
What is your man’s preference where women are concerned? __________________________________________
How would you like the Carrot to be dressed?
Options:
Smart city office wear (please specify skirt or trousers)
Dressed for a night out
Smart casual (please specify skirt or trousers)
Studenty
Sexy
Other (please describe below)
Client’s answer: _________________________
Would you like cleavage and/or leg to be on display?
Client’s answer: _________________________
What hair colour and hairstyle?
Client’s answer: _________________________
What sort of make-up?
Client’s answer: _________________________
Any particular likes or dislikes our Carrot should consider?
Things to consider:
Perfume
Colour of underwear
Type of chat-up line
Accent
Other (please describe below)
Client’s answer: _________________________
Would you like the Carrot to initiate physical contact? If so, should she touch:
Thigh
Arm
Hand
Face
Groin
Please mark any that applies. Any left unselected will be deemed prohibited.
Should the Carrot mention sex or would you rather hear if the target does?
Client’s answer: _________________________
How flirty should the Carrot be?
Client’s answer: _________________________
Should the Carrot assume the role of ‘quarry’ or ‘hunter’?
Client’s answer: _________________________
Are there any particular lines/compliments the Carrot should use?
Client’s answer: _________________________
What background should she provide if asked about her life?
Please provide detail regarding:
Marital status
Job/career
Hobbies and other interests
Client’s answer: _________________________
Are there any other qualities the Carrot should or shouldn’t demonstrate?
Client’s answer: _________________________
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