Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen:

I am now a Father!

It was now September the 12th. The new school term had just started. I had gone in for the first week. The school kindly let me have time off to be with Isabella and my new daughter. Yes, she was delivered by the staff that Isabella knew very well. She had now experienced childbirth herself. The birth was straight forward with no complications but it was still painful. What do we men experience in comparison with the ladies in general, very little, over a lifetime?

I had the joy of holding my little daughter Jennifer for the first time. Isabella's family then all arrived. The hospital was fully expecting this. Mother and daughter soon came home. My life had totally changed. We were now into all the baby routines in earnest. As I was teaching part-time, this was some relief. My property dealings were ticking over nicely. Friday afternoon would also be set aside for my regular meetings with the 'Slippery Productions' committee. Isabella understood this, Things were starting to move into some interesting areas.

So by mid-September, all the core members of Slippery Productions were there. We were to have a general discussion on the way forward.

Those present included myself obviously, the two Majors, the Detective Chief Inspector, and the two young detectives, Pamela Parsons from the BBC. Rev William Frampton and Father O'Halligan. Sandra and Kevin were also present with their recording equipment. Dr. Amelia Smith and Professor James Hudson: had also taken time out of their busy schedules to be there.

The meeting started with Pamela filling in with the progress of the movies. Yes, producers and scriptwriters had already been to visit the Bull to see Slippery for themselves. They had kept this quiet. However, Beryl and Sid knew full well who they were, starting with their accents and their general demeanour.

"More bleedin' movie Yankees ye ken", was Beryl's favourite phrase. They spent a lot which went down well. However, a slightly patronizing attitude from some did not. Beryl's acid Glaswegian ripostes were lost on many.

There were flickers of the 'red eye' when 'Slippery was on his throne.' He was aware of what was going on. He put this down to the arrogance of those 'colonials', and luckily left it at that.

The Detective Chief Inspector had heard about this.

"I've heard that these yank film types have been sniffing around here. Saying how quaint everything was, warm beer comments, and calling our national game football, soccer. Usual bollocks."

Pamela then explained.

"Yes Detective Chief Inspector, I have come across that. Most are fine. It can take a good deal of diplomacy to deal with some of them though. Yes, they have been around the pub measuring everything up, videoing, and photographing everything. It looks like they want a replica set up in Hollywood."

"Jesus, plus a clone of me?"

"Yes, Chief Inspector, they are lining up an actor to play you."

"Plus a copy of Beryl?"

"Yes, I think so?"

"Beryl leaned over from the bar and added,

"Will I be paid do ye ken?."

Pamela then added:

"Maybe I will get some legal people in to see how far they can go with this. Plus, with the say-so of those involved."

Major Percy then interjected:

"Rum do these Americans taking everything over."

I decided to jump in here. Much that it was fun 'dissing yanks' there were important discussions that needed to take place.

Both the two reverend gentlemen were starting to look somewhat nonplussed by all of this as well. Plus our two academic colleagues were also starting to get annoyed.

I stated:

"We are starting to touch on some very profound issues. It is clear that Old Slippery has a consciousness and an awareness of where he is. From what I understand, the character he manifests here directly reflects the way he was when he was alive."

"Is he here for atonement or is there a wider purpose to all of this, possibly both?"

"Thank you, Paul, very succinct and to the point. I see why you are such a good teacher.

These kind comments came from Dr. Amelia Smith.

She continued:

"Being a 'Higgins' myself, I too can have conversations with Old Slippery. Until now I have let my brother take on the responsibility of directly communicating with him."

The Chief added.

"Yes, we three, myself the Detective Chief Inspector, your good self Amelia my sister, and Sid the landlord are all direct descendants of Old Slippery. Plus also Professor Hudson I understand?"

Professor duly nodded.

"Yes, it's like having my own personal direct police radio direct to Old Slippery."

The Detective Chief Inspector further added:

"I would be more than happy to continue acting as a 'link' between all of us and Old Slippery. I think he trusts me."

Dr. Amelia Smith further added:

"Yes, thank you Detective Chief Inspector, brother, we would be very grateful for this offer."

"Can I also add," the Detective Chief further added, "Tact is everything with Old Slippery."

Professor James Hudson made an important point.

"We have seen the extremes of the behaviour of our Regency ghost. One thing I have noticed time and time again, he responds to 'good manners', old fashioned regard and respect. You have shown utmost control in your dealings with Slippery Jake. This gives us an excellent platform for us to work on."

"Thank you for your kind words, Professor." This was really appreciated by the Chief Detective Inspector.

The Rev William Frampton then made an important proposal.

"We all seem to be addicted to meetings. There are indeed some very important questions here. I think both Father O'Halligan and I agree that we need to communicate with a wider body of religious groups, I would include Humanists in this. "

There was general agreement with this all-round.

"I would also add I am very appreciative of the efforts and courage of Detective Chief Inspector Higgins in these endeavors."

In the meantime, as per usual, Lina's cleaning of 'Slippery's chair' brought him 'back to life', so to speak.

The Lounge Bar Restaurant was pretty busy. There were gasps of amazement from some. The 'regulars' pretty well took all this for granted. Slippery glanced across to our table with his typical quizzical look. He had a hard look at the two religious representatives. He seemed to have a very 'knowing look.'

"He has 'sussed' us." the Detective Chief Inspector quipped.

Father O'Halligan added. " We must start pulling all this together. We will be in contact with everyone concerned both via social media, but also through real conversations. Yes, both the Reverend Frampton and I are very busy. However, this is something that will have to be done. I will also keep in contact, discuss, and update all of you prior to our next meeting here."

Everyone was in general agreement with this. The meeting then became more of a social event. Everyone chatted freely. Fine ales and wines were quaffed. Plus everyone also took advantage of the good food on offer.

It was then that the Chief Inspectors police radio phone crackled into life again. He was urgently wanted on an active break-in nearby. He directed his two young detectives to join him urgently. They will be with their beloveds later anyway.

The meeting then ended very amicably.