Debbie was determined to make this Christmas special, if not for herself and Mike’s parents who still grieved the loss of their son, then she was going to make a special effort for Greg. She bustled round getting everything ready in the kitchen before driving back home and collecting Sheila and Jeff. By the time Debbie had got her in - laws back to the farm and made the introductions, Paul arrived. He looked so handsome and smart as she let him in all suited with a white shirt and a jazzy tie. She looked into his sparkling blue eyes and felt the now familiar tingle go up and down her spine as he greeted her with “merry Christmas,” and planted a kiss on her cheek. He presented Greg with a bottle of wine plus malt whisky and Debbie with the most enormous box of chocolates.
“Oh my goodness Debbie! Here was I determined to go on a diet after Christmas,” she laughed. Paul join the gathering in the sitting room where there was a fire blazing away While Debbi introduced Sheila and Jeff who were sharing a pre-lunch mince pie and sherry with Greg.
Kevin arrived shortly after and coming into the sitting room he greeted the assemble company with “Top of the mornin’ to yers all and a merry Christmas. I have a special surprise for the young lady of my dreams, Debbie. I have to little orphans here looking for a good home. They have been dumped and abandoned and need a good home and someone to love them.” He put the basket down by Debbie saying “Just take a wee peep, me dear Debbie and tell me you’ll love them.”
“Yes Debbie, let’s all have a look at what that big-hearted Irishman has chosen for you,” Greg called encouragingly from his seat near the fire.
Debbie could hear squeaks coming from the basket as she gingerly lifted the lid. Inside were the two of the most prettiest kitten she had ever seen. Sheila came over to look inside. She gasped with pleasure as she bent and picked the kittens up. “Oh. Aren’t they gorgeous! She exclaimed.
“Jesus, would you know They were left on a bus last night,” Kevin explained. “they called me out at crack of dawn ’un all. What a liberty. Fancy getting a man out of bed on a Christmas morning at that time. “They found the poor little creatures as they were cleaning the buses. Sure ’un all, I hardly had time to shut me eyes last night before it was mornin’ again. I had to go into Bedford and collect them at six O’clock on a cold and frosty morning like this. Why they couldn’t have waited and let me have a lie – in just for a change, is beyond me,” Kevin grumbled good naturedly.
“Oh! How could anybody be so cruel to abandon two little mites like these,” Sheila said cuddling the kittens to her.
“Are they for me?” Debbie asked looking at the kittens more closely. “I hope they won’t need too much looking after,” she remarked looking straight at Kevin wondering if she was being put on once again. “Somebody more likely left them on the bus after they had been partying and forgot them. On the other hand, they could have forgotten them on purpose – or maybe they could have been some child’s Christmas present.” Paul teased looking at Debbie and winking. “ Anyway, it seems that their loss is your gain Debbie. They are Very nicely marked,” Paul said grinning at her. “You take good care of them. Kevin always likes to think he has found the perfect home for his waifs and strays.”
Was she such an easy pushover or just a soft touch Debbie decided a little resentfully. He might have asked me first. If she refused the kittens, Sheila would no doubt think the less of her and think she hated all animals. She wouldn’t want that, would she? especially pretty little kittens such as these who had been abandoned. “so, is this my Christmas present, Debbie?”
“Debbie, me darling girl, The two little mites need a good home and since you haven’t got Trigger any more, I thought you could do with some company. At least, these little ones won’t need walking.”
“I think Debbie has got the message Kevin,” Paul said grinning at Debbie.
“Oh, Put them back in the basket Sheila and I will put them out in the kitchen. They are far too little to leave in here with these men especially with Trigger about. They’ll be nice and warm in there until we take them home,”
“I’ll give you a hand dear,” Sheila said eager to help. Debbie picked the basket up and followed by Sheila, she escaped to the kitchen. “Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes,” she called as she shut the door.
Later, as they sat round the fire enjoying the wine Paul had supplied and allowing the meal to settle Greg patted his stomach appreciatively saying “Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. That was absolutely marvellous my dear. I haven’t eaten like that for years.”
“Sure ’un all. A meal fit for kings. “It was delicious. We loved it,” Paul agreed. “Well, guest what fellers, You and Paul can do the washing up while the rest of us listen to the queen’s speech.”
“Yes, after such a wonderful meal, we would be glad to but please allow us to listen to our queen’s speech first,” Paul begged.
Debbie laughed and settled down to enjoy the rest of t he day.
At seven o’clock Paul took a call on his mobile from a farmer who was having trouble with a cow in difficulties calfing. He apologised and left the party. “What a shame,” Sheila sympathised. “Now he will have to go out in the cold.”
“I take it you haven’t any animals to go out and feed,” Jeff said to Greg.
“Oh no. I haven’t really farmed for some years now. I been on my own for some time and I’ve stuck to growing a few crops. Since I reached retirement age I was glad to give it all up. Actually, there have been developers after the land to build houses and flats on. I sold some but this is my home and I wasn’t going to let it all go. Kevin suggested that we use some of the outbuildings for kennels so we plan to open them as soon as they are up and ready. I am going to run boarding kennels and Kevin will have some kennels and a barn or two for small animals for the RSPCA. Boarding kennels are badly needed round here you see and Paul and Kevin both agree that they could do with some facilities for their animals. Paul often treats animals which have to be rehomed after he has mended them, poor things.”
“That’s sound a very good enterprise,” Jeff agreed. “You must let me give you a donation for the RSPCA kennels,” he said turning to Kevin.
“What a perfectly delightful gesture. I am afraid we are always looking for donations. We are not a rich charity.
Thank you on behalf of the organisation,” Kevin answered looking pleased.
We hope to have things sorted out in a month or two weather permitted of course,” Greg explained. “We are aiming for about March. That will be in time for Easter. Greg told them looking hopeful..
They went on discussing various other matters until Debbie thought that it was high time to make a move and take her visitors home.
Jeff and Sheila stayed until the new year and then returned home. Debbie felt that the short break had been good for all of them. There had obviously been some poignant moments and a few tears from Sheila and herself but at least none of them need to feel embarrassed about showing their feelings.
Debbie quickly got herself back in the swing of things. Two dinner parties in one week. Of course, now Christmas was over Debbie was not doing so much baking.
The kittens continued to thrive and Debbie had to admit that they created a diversion as she watched them play. Maybe Kevin meant well when he landed them on her but Debbie conceded that perhaps she had needed a bit of diversion around her. You can never forget someone who you had loved passionately but life went on and you had to move on with it. Given time Debbie hoped that she would overcome her depression.
She didn’t see Paul until a couple of weeks after Christmas when she was shopping in a supermarket in Bedford. They met on the greengrocery aisle. “Debbie, how are you? Have you recovered from Christmas? Are you all on your own again?” he paused and grinned before saying with a hint of)Oh, silly me( of course you’re not, you have those sweet little kittens to keep you company.”
“The kittens are doing well. They are growing so fast and they are little devils. They are into all kinds of mischief.
“Well, don’t forget to bring them in for their jabs as soon as possible. They will also need neutering very soon but we will talk about that when you bring them into the surgery,” Paul said wearing his Veterinary hat. “I don’t suppose Kevin bothered to check the sex of those kittens. Still, we can also check that at the same time.”
“Okay, I’ll make an appointment,” Debbie promised. “I must get going now. I have a dinner party to prepare,” She said as she hurried towards the checkout.
“Before you rush off, can I call in and see you one evening. I have something I would like to talk over with you. I hope you will be interested,” Paul call after her.
Debbie turned surprise. “One evening next week as long as it isn’t Friday night.” What could he possibly want? Debbie wondered.
“I can’t make next week, I am away at a conference. It will have to be the week after,” Paul waved saying “See you then.”
Debbie paid a visit to the surgery the following week when she knew Paul would not be there. As Angela would be on her own, Debbie thought it a good opportunity to take a look at her. Of course, Paul had mentioned her several times but Debbie had not yet met her since settling in Bracksley. Angela looked at Debbie in a very disapproving way as she entered the surgery. “Did Paul tell you to come in?” she asked sharply.
“No. Paul’s away. I saw him the other day and he told me to bring the kittens in,” she answered wondering why Angela looked so hostile.
“Right. Let’s have them here. She took the cat carrier from Debbie’s hand and plonked it down hard on the table.
Debbie judged Angela to be in her mid – thirties. She wore her hair in a bob with heavy eye browse which made her eyes look small, she could hardly be considered good looking. As far as Debbie could see through the surgical gown Angela was wearing, she appeared quite plump. Debbie had to admit that Angela was perfectly efficient and surprisingly gentle as she gave the kittens their jab. “There we are kits,” Angela said popping the kittens back into the carrier before turning AWAY WITHOUT Looking at her again she said abruptly, “Pay at the desk on the way out Mrs Richards, we don’t mind cheques or credit cards. I suppose you realise that they will need neutering very soon but I expect Paul will see to that,” she added picking up instruments and replacing them noisily.
Well well, I wonder what I have done to upset her, Debbie thought nonplussed as she paid the bill.
Two or three weeks later as Debbie sat alone watching TV one evening she heard peculiar noises coming from the kitchen. It sounded as if a tin was being rolled around. She got up to investigate and was horrified to find one of the kittens with its head stuck in an empty tin of sardines which she had left on the worktop. She rushed to release the kitten but it wriggled so much that she was unable to free it. It was crying in distress and the other kitten hovered so close that she dare not use anything sharp in case she injured either of them. As hard as she tried she could not get the tin off. Panicking slightly she tried to grease the kitten’s neck hoping that she could slide it off. That was no use. The tin refused to budge. Gingerly, she tried a tin opener but was so afraid she might injure the kitten she gave the attempt up as the kitten’s distressed cries increased. What on earth was she going to do she thought desperately. Who could help her? If she put the kitten in the car and took it to the Vets’ in Bedford she was afraid it would suffocate before they got there. The only thing she could do would be to ring the Vets’ and hope that awful woman Angela didn’t answer. She grabbed the phone and dialled the number praying that Paul would answer. Fortunately, Paul answered. “Paul … oh thank god it’s you. Can you come? One of the kittens has got a tin stuck on its head and I can’t get it off. I’ve tried everything but it’s well and truly stuck. I am afraid the poor little thing will suffocate if it is not released soon,” she finished breathlessly. How long will it take you to get here?” she asked desperately. “Okay. Stop worrying. I’m on my way. Fifteen minutes later Paul was ringing the doorbell. Debbie ran to let him in relieved that at last help was at hand.
He smiled at her. She saw the look in his wonderfully blue eyes and nearly fell into his arms. Her heart melted anew as she felt that now familiar tingle go up and down her spine. “Right. Where’s the culprit?” Paul headed towards the kitchen where the pathetic cries of the kitten could be heard as it blundered around blindly banging the tin on cupboard doors and walls as it went. Paul grabbed the kitten and tried easing the tin off.
“I’ve already tried that but the little devil won’t keep still,” Debbie said feeling stupid at not being able to cope with such a small matter.
“If you can just hold the cat still and hand me a tin opener, I’ll have it off in no time,” Paul said confidently. Debbie held her breath as Paul went to work with the tin opener. True to his word the tin was off revealing the dirtiest little cat face ever Seen. In spite of herself, Debbie could not help laughing.
“There we are kitcat,” Paul said cheerfully. “all ends that ends well,” he said.
“Oh Paul. Thank you so much. I hadn’t a clue what to do,” Debbie said gratefully. “I hope you will stay and have a glass of wine or perhaps a cup of tea or coffee if you are on call.”
“You are lucky. No, I am not on call. I can stay for a little while because I wanted to speak to you about something. It will be so much nicer over a glass of wine.”
“Right. Let me make sure that the kittens can’t get into anymore mischief. You go and sit down and I will be right back in a minute,” Debbie told him.
When they were both seated comfortably on the sofa in front of the fire each with a glass of wine Paul began “Have you seen how well the kennels are coming on up at Greg’s?”
“Yes, I have. They’ll have finished them very soon,” Debbie looked at him wondering where this line of conversation was going.
“Well, I have been discussing with Greg and Kevin about the running of the kennels. We all agree that you would make the ideal Kennel manager. We would like to offer you the job. The job would be fulltime of course with a good salary.” He mentioned a figure which was considerably more than Mr Pickering had offered and Debbie thought quite generous due to her inexperience with animals. “your evenings will be your own of course, so you could still do your dinner parties you seem to be so fond of. You are a good judge of people and would be able to manage volunteers and find good homes for those animals that need to be rehomed. You see you would have to go and look at their facilities and make sure the animal was going to be happy with its new owners.” He paused before asking, “what do you think?”
“Why should you think I would make a good manager? I don’t know enough about animals.” Debbie felt quite confused.
“We will teach you what you need to know. Besides which we will provide you with a trained assistant and Kevin and I are both available at any time. You need have no worries. Your main job would be supervising a team of volunteers for walking dogs and rehoming animals. You will need to visit candidates in their own homes and make sure he animal is going to be okay with them, apart from the occasional help round the kennels where necessary. Of course, you will have to manage the fundraising. All of that’s sort of thing is very important. Interviewing new owners and finding them the right pet. Obviously can be a bit tricky sometimes but your assistant will be able to advise you on matching. I shall be doing any treatment of course but any care will be given by your nursing assistant. We will all be there for you Debbie and we would love to have you on board. We also need someone who has good computer skills and a good business head on them. You certainly fit the bill there.” “This needs a lot of thought,” Debbie said not feeling very confident. “It is right outside my experience. I’ll think about it before I commit myself if you don’t mind waiting a few days. I must admit it sounds very interesting, when do you expect to open?”
“We are now at the end of January so we are aiming to open in March just to get the thing underway. Obviously, we would expect to get some advertising a
round before we actually open, - posters, and using the local press and radio of course. Officially, we will open with a proper opening day and that could give you plenty of scope for your organising ability and your catering ability. Perhaps you could do a few posters with some cats and dogs and other small animals, put them up round the village and see what happens. Test the waters before we start opening up, so to speak. We thought Easter Monday might be a good day,” Paul told her smiling broadly. “so, what do you think.”
“Let me fill your glass, this wine is quite good isn’t it? It was left over from Christmas.” Debbie paused. She wasn’t going to rush into anything. “ “I’ll tell you what Paul, I will certainly give your offer plenty of consideration. Obviously, I would depend on you and Kevin mostly and I won’t pretend that it wouldn’t be a relief to have a proper regular income for a change,” Debbie mused as she filled their glasses.
They sat comfortably together warming themselves by the gas fire and gazing at the TV. After the third glass of wine Debbie felt so relaxed that she forgot to object when she felt Pauls arm go round her shoulders. She even forgot to object when he drew her towards him and kissed her gently on the forehead. She kept thinking how wonderful it felt with the arms of a man around her and the thrill that went through her when he kissed her on the lips oh so lightly.
The Beast of Bracksley Woods Page 7