Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Some Positive Press Feedback Plus The Wives Understand NowThe 'official' reporters applauded as did a number of the Lounge Bar diners. They pretty well guessed what was up. This was very useful for them. The reporters could see in detail just want was going on, the interaction between Old Slippery, the Detective Chief Inspector, and Sid. There was a clear use of telepathy. All three were united in their efforts to deal with any threats to the pub. The Detective Chief Inspector duly invited them to the next committee meeting, on the coming Friday. It was now October and the meetings were in full swing again.

Each reporter represented respectable newspapers and media outlets. They all knew Pamela Parsons, from the BBC. They were also really impressed with how the new 'snakes' were dealt with. There were always a number of peripheral 'chancers'. These so-called reporters were always on the lookout for any juicy copy they could gleefully embellish. Yes, as stated, these operators could fill up empty spaces in newspapers, so they were kind of tolerated. They were increasingly moving online. Here though, these official 'hacks' could clearly see what was at stake. Old Slippery did need containing. A potential blood bath was averted.

Everybody settled down to a few drinks, fine ales, and wine, along with the excellent food that was now on offer in the Lounge Bar Restaurant. The wives could see clearly what had taken place. Lina and Magda knew all of this too well though.

Dorothy, the Detective Chief Inspector's wife was suitably impressed.

"I can see now how my husband operates here and how important he is. It is clear you have a good relationship with the Old Ghost, my dear, essential in keeping his basic instincts in check, Otherwise who knows what might happen. So dear I understand why you must be here now apart from the beer and the pretty barmaids."

Knowing looks all round from the other wives plus sniggers from Lina and Magda of course. Old Slippery was still there pretending to be asleep. He gave a knowing look in the direction of the Detective Chief Inspector and Sid, plus Beryl were listening in as well.

"Aye, it was those braw lassies that brought the ghostie back ye ken. Aye, any tasty bit of skirt, and there he is back on his chair leering. Ah but youse have nay equipment now Mr. Slippery!!"

Beryl was the only person who could get away with goading the Old Ghost. He kind of admired her courage and straight-talking as opposed to all the obsequious nonsense he just about tolerated during his lifetime. They exchanged knowing glances. Yes, Beryl had the measure of the Right Hon Jake Horatio Higginbottom.

The wives were fascinated with all of this. They could see the interaction going on. Plus of course, there was the importance of the Friday, 'Slippery Jake', committee meetings as well.

Coming back to the 'official' journalists. They promised a balanced write up of these recent events at the Bull. These accounts would be checked and vetted by the Old Slippery committee first before publication. This again would be coordinated by Pamela Parsons.