Chapter 47

Chapter 47: And The People

We now move forward a few more years. A lot had taken place over the last couple of years. To start with I was a father again, with a son Timothy, or Tim, Tiny Tim for now.

Both the young detectives were to be fathers again too.

Jane, the new barmaid, soon hooked up with someone she found at the Bull. She was still working there for now. New barmaids arrived and the same cycle happened as before. This is something Beryl reconciled herself too. As I have said already, she had been there herself with Sid when she came down to London from Glasgow.

Let's not forget Sven. He returned to Sweden and set up a very successful bar in Stockholm. Thanks to my mother who looked after our little children for a weekend, Liz and I managed to pay him a visit. It was quite an experience. Sven was overjoyed to see us. He had called his bar 'Old Slippery'.

For now. Old Slippery remained active, but it was noticeable that he was now starting to stay away more often. These new young barmaids had kept him intrigued and had fired up his ancient libido. Sid mentioned this to Professor Hudson. This was the same pattern as before. He had done his work for the time being it seemed.

Sid and Beryl were now grandparents. Sarah and Jane had children. Sarah in particular, was learning the art of 'keeping good beer' and would be running the pub in the future. For now Sid and Beryl were still very much in charge, but they were definitely planning for the future and they wanted to keep the continuity of the Bull going by passing it onto the next generation. The restaurant ran by their two daughters and their respective husbands, Matteo and Carlos were also thriving.

The Bull Public House evolved. The DJ sessions at the weekend were packed out. Old Slippery would drop in on the odd one to give dancing lessons. The notoriety of these sessions had spread. They were splashed all over the web. Very long ques waiting to go in were common at weekends.

The Fashionistas were still kept supplied by Old Slippery's insatiable need to show off. A whole fashion industry had grown up around the endless costumes he would appear in.

Detective Chief Inspector John Higgins was now not too far off retirement. Both he and his superiors had noticed the diminishing activity centred around the Old Highway Man. He was still busy on cases in the local area, He would 'bend the ear' of Old Slippery still, for any information on anyone entering the Lounge Bar. This was still proving an invaluable source of information to the Detective Chief Inspector. 'Ne'er Do Wells' passed through the Bull on regular occasions. The Old Ghost could quickly 'smell' evil of any kind in anyone. This was especially the case if they posed a threat to the Bull in any way. This had always been the way with the Old Ghost and this remained so. The two younger detectives would find a way to drop in at the Bull for the odd pint when they could. They were making quick advancement as detectives. They were excellent at getting results and subsequent prosecutions. This was duly noted higher up. It would not be long before they both gained the rank of Detective Chief Inspector and moved even further up. The 'Chief' was very proud of them.

As I have stated both the academics and religious parties had started to wind down their engagement with the Bull. The delights of the Bull still enticed Professor Hudson along. He came along when he could. He loved the excellent beer the pub had to offer. This was also true of the other members of the committee. Doctor Amelia Smith and Pamela Parsons would still come and visit when they could. This was also true of some of the religious members.

Kevin had now graduated and Sandra had started a computing degree. They were both living together and would soon marry. Kevin has set up a very successful online company concentrating on visual media. He and Sandra would also have frequent contract work. They dropped by the Bull when they had the time. Plus they continued to record Old Slippery's antics on the dance floor. There was also a demand for high-resolution images from the Fashionistas of the Old Ghost in all his highly varied finery.

Sorry, some sad news. Marigold and Percival the two pub cats had gone to Cat Heaven. Wee Jock. Beryl's beloved Scottish terrier had also moved to Dog Heaven.

One afternoon, Old Slippery was sitting on his 'throne'. Beryl was looking very upset. She was especially missing Wee Jock and also the two old pub cats.

The Old Ghost looked across at her with a sweet smile. He pointed his right index finger high in the air. There they were, Wee Jock and the two cats purring, looking down at Beryl in the Lounge Bar, sitting on a small white cloud, floating across the Lounge Bar Restaurant. This was only for an instant. Several diners noticed them, Some recorded this on their cell phones. Sid and the barmaids also saw this.

The cats and Wee Jock were all in their heaven. Beryl smiled and cried a little, a very rare event for her. However, she was very happy. Their spirit was still with her here. The Old Ghost gave a gracious bow plus a twirl of his three-cornered hat. Beryl curtsied in response.