Counting Sunsets

by Paul Gait

  ‘Oh he wants me to help him do something for his Godsons.’

  ‘His Godsons?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Such as?’

  ‘He doesn’t know. That’s why he wants me to help.’

  ‘Why you? He could afford to buy anybody’s services.’

  ‘I don’t know. He says I’m more in touch with people than he is.’

  ‘Well, he’s not wrong there. That’s a nice compliment. You should be pleased that he recognises it.’

  ‘Yeah but if I accepted it, I’d have to give up my job at the hospice. Who would look after Mr Jones and Mrs Smith?’ asked Andy plaintively.

  ‘That’s not your worry. That’s up to the hospice to replace you,’ said Helen forcibly.

  ‘But I’m a nurse. I don’t know anything else’.

  ‘So, in your deliberations you’ve obviously thought about the financial implications as well.’ said Helen, wanting to know more. ‘What sort of salary is he talking about?’

  ‘That’s another thing; these people think that by throwing money around they can solve everything.’

  ‘Well it would certainly help our problem.’

  ‘I’ve got principles,’ Andy replied, looking at his wife hoping to see some understanding in her eyes.

  ‘You’ve got bills too and a family to feed. How much was he going to pay you?

  ‘Fifty to Sixty thousand pounds a year.’

  ‘Fifty to Sixty thousand pounds a year,’ Helen echoed incredibly. ‘What the hell are you doing turning that down? You should be ripping the cheque out of his hands.’

  ‘Look, I love my job. But look at his life expectancy. Well what happens when he dies? My place at the hospice would be filled and there’s so much unemployment. I can’t take the risk,’ Andy pointed out.

  ‘What are you always telling the kids at Scouts? Life is full of opportunities, seize the day. Isn’t that what you say?’ Helen reminded him.

  ‘Yeah, but this is different.’

  ‘Yes it’s a chance in a lifetime, an opportunity to get us out of debt, improve our life, for the kids, for us.’

  ‘I’m not sure.’

  ‘Andy, wake up. You can’t lose this chance. You didn’t have any problems using his car for the christening, did you?’

  ‘Ah, but that was different.’

  ‘How was it? You were using his wealth then.’

  ‘But I was going to take him out anyway.’

  ‘Now you’re splitting hairs, justifying your actions, We benefited from his money.’

  ‘Look we shouldn’t even be discussing it. I’m not going to do it and that’s final.’ Andy said firmly. ‘Now I need to go. The kids will be causing chaos outside the hut. You know what the neighbours are like.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Tuesday September 23rd – Sunset count 23

  Geoffery’s employment offer and their mounting bills gave Andy a disturbed night. He couldn’t stop his hectic brain from constantly running through Helen’s accusations of failing his family or the possibilities if he accepted the offer. Was he right to stand by his principles? After tossing and turning for several hours, finally, at three am, his tired mind gave into merciful sleep.

  It seemed like barely seconds that he had been asleep when a continuous ringing woke him up with a start. Someone was ringing their door bell, followed by frantic hammering on the door.

  ‘What the?’ he muttered through sleep dried lips.

  The noise woke Helen too. They both sat bolt upright in bed.

  ‘Whoever is that likely to be at this time of night?’ she quizzed.

  ‘Don’t know,’ shouted Andy, running downstairs pulling on a dressing gown.

  ‘Be careful Andy.’

  Helen followed him to the top of the stairs apprehensive of what he would reveal behind the door.

  As Andy opened it he was confronted by Ben who was clearly distraught. He was breathing heavily, his face dirty and sweaty. ‘Ben, what the…’

  ‘Andy, Andy, quick. It’s the hut,’ he shouted urgently.

  ‘What about it?’ Andy asked perplexed.

  ‘The hut’s on fire, come quick,’ he urged.

  ‘Oh no! Have you called the fire service?’

  ‘Yes, they’re on their way. But I think it’s too late. All our stuff’s gone. I tried to put it out but…’

  Ben turned on his heel closely followed by Andy and they ran towards the hut.

  As they got closer Andy could see the flames reflected off the column of smoke. Behind him he heard the distinctive sound of the heavy Fire Engine making its way through the estate.

  A group of neighbours were standing around helplessly watching the terrapin building being devoured by the flames.

  ‘I told him it would end like this on this estate,’ Andy heard them say as he ran through the small group.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Ben said looking at the flames. ‘I did try to put it out. But it spread so fast.’

  ‘So long as you’re alright, that’s the important thing,’ Andy said, putting a comforting hand on Ben’s shoulder. ‘You were obviously sleeping in there tonight then?’

  ‘Yeah, but I didn’t start it,’ Ben said defensively.

  ‘I’m not suggesting that you did,’ Andy replied quickly. ‘I’m just glad you’re safe that’s all. Whoever did this wants stringing up.’

  ‘I didn’t see anyone.’

  ‘Did you cook anything tonight for your tea?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Problems at home again then?’

  ‘Yeah. Mum’s still knocking around with the same bloke that kicked me out when he ripped his trousers on my bike. So I don’t even hang around these days.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that, but what are you going to do tonight now? What about your Grandad?’

  ‘No, he’s not very well. Oh shit, now what am I going to do?’

  ‘You’d better come home with me tonight and sleep on the settee and we’ll sort something out in the morning.’

  Andy and Ben were the last to leave the smoldering twisted skeleton of the hut. All his hard work turned into ashes. Years of work gone up in smoke. Andy was gutted.

  ‘Now what would he do for future Scout Troop meetings. Just another worry to add on top of everything else,’ he thought tiredly.

  CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

  Wednesday September 24th – Sunset count 24

  Andy brought Geoffery’s breakfast in the following day looking very depressed.

  ‘Morning Andy, you look a bit glum this morning, not like you. If you’re still feeling upset about yesterday, I’m sorry. We won’t mention it again.’

  ‘Morning,’ Andy said putting the breakfast tray down. ‘No. It’s not that. We had a bit of a fire at the Scout Hut last night.’

  ‘What a campfire?’

  ‘No, I’m afraid the hut burnt down.’

  ‘Oh I’m sorry to hear that,’ replied Geoffery sympathetically. ‘Much damage?’

  ‘Totally destroyed I’m afraid, along with some car engines the kids were working on.’

  ‘Insurance job then is it?’ Geoffery explored.

  ‘No I’m afraid that the 50p subs we charge the kids wouldn’t cover the cost of getting insurance. The hut was a site hut, left behind by some builders when they were renovating the estate. I managed to scrounge it off them.’

  ‘Oh dear, what are you going to do then?’ asked Geoffery, trying to sound concerned.

  ‘Don’t know. The trouble is, the kids won’t have anywhere to go and they’ll be up to mischief in no time.’

  ‘Can I help?’ asked Geoffery.

  ‘Do you know anybody in the building trade that might have an old hut we could scrounge?’

  ‘Sorry, I’ve got no local contacts around here anymore.’

  ‘Yes, of course not. No, well never mind. I’m sure something will turn up,’ Andy said with false optimism.

  ‘How about I donate something to your Scouts instead?’ said Geoffery.

/>   ‘That would be very helpful, but…’

  ‘But I know, you shouldn’t even be considering it. Well you’re the one wondering what the kids will get up to.’

  ‘Yes I know but….’

  ‘But nothing, I am prepared to make a donation to help out.’

  ‘That’s very generous of you. It’s likely to cost several hundreds of pounds to find a replacement.’

  ‘Well how much do you need?’

  ‘Well actually there’s not much in the bank account if I’m honest.’

  ‘Perhaps we should start with a new hut then,’ Geoffery proposed.

  ‘A new hut! Well that would be nice, but fundraising is not my thing and the kids’ parents aren’t very supportive either, so it will take forever to raise the money for a new hut.’

  ‘Who said anything about having to raise funds?’

  ‘You don’t mean you would…’

  ‘Buy it? Yes of course.’

  ‘No, I couldn’t possibly accept.’

  ‘Why not, it’s for your young people isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes but…’

  ‘Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.’

  ‘Well, are you sure?’

  ‘I wouldn’t have offered if I hadn’t meant it,’ confirmed Geoffery.

  ‘Well, yes please. That’s more than I could have expected in my wildest dreams.’ Andy beamed.

  ‘So, you can forget about fundraising and continue to focus on doing things directly with the kids.’ Geoffery reiterated, feeling smug.

  ‘Thank you so much. That’s brilliant.’ Andy felt like hugging his benefactor, but thought better of it.

  ‘You’ll have to tell me the size and type of building you want etc. and I’ll arrange to get it delivered. When do you want it?’

  ‘Well I suppose the sooner the better.’

  ‘How about two to three weeks, is that soon enough?’

  ‘That would be wonderful if you could make it happen that quickly,’ Andy said happily.

  ‘I’ll see what I can do.’

  ‘Thanks, I’ll make sure the site is cleared. The kids will be over the moon when they hear, thanks so much,’ Andy said, overjoyed.

  ‘Umm, have you thought any more about my offer for helping me find my Godsons?’ Geoffery asked, immediately seeking to capitalize on Andy’s euphoria and knowing that he would want to repay the other’s kindness.

  ‘Yes, Helen and I have talked it through.’

  ‘And?’ Geoffery quizzed.

  ‘Please hear me out before you say anything. I know you’ve been very kind about the hut and well, I’m a nurse. I care for people. I don’t have any administration skills that I believe can help you. I’d be taking your money under false pretences if I agreed to help you.’

  ‘There you go again putting yourself down. You’d be my full time nurse but you’d also be giving me some guidance that’s all,’ explained Geoffery.

  ‘Well would you consider an alternative suggestion?’

  ‘OK, what is it?’ said Geoffery curiously.

  ‘That I work for you part time,’ Andy said hesitantly, feeling ill at ease, hoping that he hadn’t jeopardised Geoffery’s generous offer for a new Scout Hut.

  ‘Part Time, Mmm, would that work though?’ Geoffery said mulling over the suggestion.

  ‘Yes, so I carry on working here and…’

  ‘I’m not sure. As you can appreciate, with the time I’ve got left, there’s a bit of urgency required,’ interrupted Geoffery.

  ‘That’s another of my concerns,’ added Andy.

  ‘Of course I understand that, but I’d make sure you and the family would be well looked after… When I’ve gone.’

  ‘No, I’ve decided,’ Andy continued firmly. ‘I will help you on a part time basis or not at all. That way it won’t interfere with my care of other patients either.’

  ‘You’re a principled individual aren’t you? However, I respect you for that,’ Geoffery said, conceding. ‘OK, it’s a deal then. You help me and I’ll help you.’

  ‘The cat was well and truly skinned,’ Geoffery thought smugly. He knew he would get his own way eventually. He usually did.

  CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

  Friday September 26th – Sunset count 26

  A few days later there was a flurry of activity with a series of Couriers bringing parcels and letters to Geoffery. His spirits were high as he called Andy into his room for a meeting.

  ‘I’ve got the details of all three Godsons now,’ said Geoffery excitedly, laying three large folders on his bed. ‘It includes photographs, details of their domestic arrangements, current occupation etc. although only one of them is in employment.‘

  ‘How did you get all this stuff so quickly?’ asked an incredulous Andy, gazing at the array of documents.

  ‘My solicitors employ several Private Investigators. They do all the leg work, mostly former Policemen. They still have contacts within the force. You’d be surprised what big brother already knows about us.’

  ‘Oh I see,’ said Andy, looking at the pile of folders spreading across the sheets.

  ‘So where do you think we should start?’ asked Geoffery buoyed with a new sense of purpose.

  ‘Don’t you think it would be a good idea to actually meet them in person?’ Andy suggested.

  ‘Really, what for? I’m not sure I have the time or energy,’ Geoffery said.

  ‘Sorry, but I would have thought talking to them face to face would be the first step, otherwise how will you know how you can help them, if indeed they need help.’

  ‘Well, judging by these reports, they all need help, I can assure you.’

  ‘So how do you intend to help them?’

  ‘Well there’s only one who has some element of financial stability. The others definitely could do with an injection of finance.’

  ‘So you’re going to buy yourself into their life after all.’

  ‘If that’s what I need to do, yes. I don’t have time to do anything clever, to sow seeds and wait for them to germinate. I want to see quick results and if by injecting money into their lives it will give some instant improvements, then that’s the obvious answer.’

  ‘OK, it’s your money.’

  ‘And that’s what I’ll do,’ Geoffery said forcefully.

  ‘Why don’t you arrange to meet with them first?’ Andy persisted.

  ‘I still don’t think it’s necessary, I have all the facts here. How will that help?’

  ‘Well you can’t suddenly walk into their life after all these years. You’re a virtual stranger to them,’ said an incredulous Andy.

  ‘Mmm, well perhaps you’re right,’ said Geoffery reluctantly. ‘See, that’s why I need your help. You understand people.’

  Andy picked up a photograph from one of the folders. The picture was of a ‘down and out’ sitting on a park bench. The man had obviously spotted the photographer and was giving an angry Vee sign to the camera. His eyes were red rimmed and blood shot. He had long greasy hair, a long and matted beard and was wearing a filthy overcoat over what appeared to be filthy grey baggy jogging bottoms. On the pavement surrounding the bench were several empty cider bottles.

  ‘This one is probably the worse shock for me,’ admitted Geoffery, taking the photograph from Andy and staring at it. ‘This was the lad who was a millionaire at eight. His parents, my friends, were killed in a plane crash. His name is James Charles. Like a lot of their friends I was there for him when his parents died but my life got in the way and I lost touch with him. I tried to help in the early days and we talked on the phone once after he’d left school about a business deal about fire damaged stock…nothing else,’ Geoffery confessed, slumping back into his chair.

  ‘Well, if he is your Godson, he certainly could do with your help. Bit of a sorry state isn’t he?’

  ‘The last time I saw him, his little eyes were red from crying for his parents and now look at him. He’s obviously become a wino.’

  ‘Are you sure it’s him
?’

  ‘Yes, sadly that’s him alright. They found him by his Police records by all accounts.’

  Andy selected another photograph from a second folder and studied it for a moment.

  ‘Well, he looks frightened to death. Whatever is going on here?’

  ‘This is Rupert Screen, my nephew. He’s an IT man, so he at least is doing well for himself,’ advised Geoffery.

  ‘And the woman? Is that his wife?’ asked Andy.

  ‘The sour faced one? Yes, she looks like she’s giving him a right roasting doesn’t it? Face like the backside of a bus,’ added Geoffery. ‘Obviously has a poor choice in women.’

  The third photograph was of a fat man being pushed along in a wheelchair by a slight, grey haired woman.

  ‘This is Tim Springfield, another one whom I could have helped by the look of it. Apparently underneath those trousers are two artificial legs,’ explained Geoffery quietly.

  ‘And who is the harassed woman pushing him?’

  ‘That’s a lady I know very well. The lovely Kay; she and I used to be…close. I still have a soft spot for her. Although, she’s aged beyond her years.’

  ‘So that’s the three of them. My Godsons,’ he said, looking at Andy. ‘I wonder if their lives would have been any different if I’d been around as they grew up. I guess we’ll never know.’

  ‘No point fretting over what might have been. Put your energies into what you can still do for them,’ Andy counselled.

  ‘So, what do you think we should do then, if you’re not keen on me just sending them a cheque?’

  ‘I still think you need to meet them all.’

  ‘OK, all together or individually?’ Geoffery asked, looking to Andy for an option.

  ‘Do they know of each other’s existence? ‘

  ‘Not that I’m aware of.’

  ‘I’m still not clear of your intentions though,’ Andy said, hoping to get a clearer idea of his role in Geoffery’s plans.

  ‘Neither am I,’ admitted Geoffery.

  ‘You don’t make life easy do you? OK, then I suggest you see each one individually and take if from there,’ advised Andy. ‘Which one would you like to see first?’