Part Twelve   "Case studies"

 

 
Wednesday 21st January Continued
 

Tammy arrived in the dining room just before six after having another shower and donning her third set of nightwear of the day. The overall effect was not that of a radiant young lady but certainly not the pasty-faced one who had been sent home from school the previous morning.

None of those present seemed to fall into the typical trap of stating how the weather was, or asking how someone was feeling, knowing they'd been ill. Tammy was, however, aware that Elsie looked a little different so voiced her question.

"Yes dear, Sandy came up to see me this afternoon. It was a surprise though because I hadn't been warned, or even asked whether I wanted to see her."

"Oh, sorry, she suggested it on Sunday."

"So I was told, young lady, you are forgiven this time as you were plainly not well at the time."

"I'm grateful you're not angry with me, Elsie. Your hair looks really good."

"Thank you, despite being unprepared I was indeed pleased to see Sandy. I might not be one hundred percent fit but that does not mean I can't look at my best. It was quite timely too as I am seeing a different consultant on Friday in Glasgow. Alison and I are going in the morning, we'll be back at the weekend."

"I hope it goes well."

"So do I."

Tammy's portions were noticeably smaller that the others but her appetite was lacking so there were no complaints. With dinner concluded she and her father went to the study to discuss matters.

"Dad, I get the feeling that you had at least one meeting in town that you didn't tell me about."

"Remind me not to play poker with you! Yes, Sarah called and asked if I could be there with her, seeing as you couldn't."

"I wouldn't have been able to give her any real advice, I was just there to hold her hand and get first hand knowledge for my business studies case study."

"I know, but she had an idea and wanted to run it past me."

"What was that?"

"You know that the shop next to Sarah's has been empty for a while?"

"Yes, she told me she had tried to get hold of the owners but they wouldn't return her calls."

"Well, it seems the bank was owed money so they had seized it and were about to sell it through a local agency."

"That place looks much bigger than her existing shop."

"It is."

"You've been in there?"

"Not yet but I've seen the plans. Sarah and I came to an arrangement, which benefits everyone."

"Oh."

"So long as you agree, you've just become her landlord."

"Eh? Dad, what have you done?"

"I asked the bank what their bottom line was then offered ten percent under that, cash. They refused and told me the original figure, so I offered five percent under the asking price, or not at all. It seems they were going to lose five percent in agency fees so my offer was accepted."

"Right, so where do I come into this?"

"This is a way to expand your property portfolio at a local level, in the long term cash does not grow as quickly as property."

"Yes, I understand the principle. What are you proposing?"

"That we create a new company called Tamara Smart Property, using revenue from the Enfield house, and that repays me for the title of the shop."

"How much are we talking?"

"One hundred and fifty thousand."

"That all? The house sold for seven hundred." Thousands, of course.

"That's right, don't forget you've also put money into Dunbankin. We must decide a new name for that house?"

"It's appropriate, plus the locals know the name; you don't want to confuse anyone do you?"

"I thought you might say that."

"When does Sarah want to move?"

"There's still some paperwork, a structural survey plus an electrical survey and then fitting out to do, so about two to three weeks. She also has to give her existing landlord a month's notice."

"I can't help her much before half-term and even Saturdays are taken up with rehearsals."

"I think she might like a little breathing space as well as plenty of help."

"Okay, draw me up the paperwork and I'll sign it - subject to the surveys of course!"

"Good, I told Sarah you'd be up for it."

"What about the original reason for her bank appointment, she was querying whether she was getting a good deal now she's cleared her overdraft?"

"They have completely changed their tune, and not because I was there. Once the property was mentioned they offered her a business mortgage, which she declined without blinking; I really think she had some satisfaction in turning them down. What we did do, however, was to change her account. The new one includes some value-added benefits such as insurance and free use of the night safe, as well as lower card transaction fees."

"What's the nett effect?"

"Taking into the account the fixed costs of rent, insurance, bank charges and business rates it's costing her a tenner a week more."

"What about grants?"

"The council is running a grant scheme for businesses that are looking to grow that's worth five thousand pounds and there's another smaller grant for more efficient lighting."

"This is all good timing for the fashion show, I wonder how much publicity she can generate?"

"Plenty, what with a grand re-opening, we need to find someone to cut the ribbon."

"Elsie?"

"That's an idea, but how about a local famous actress?"

"Who?"

"You!"

"Come on Dad, how much right do I have?"

"You are very well known in town, much more than you possibly know."

"Let me think about that."

"Okay, can we discuss our house now?"

***

It would seem they spent an hour discussing colour schemes and room themes but that was about it. Tammy's favourite colour was mauve, or shades of purple, so that was the theme for her own room but furniture was put off for a day. Her father's study had been identified as well as space for Leanne, should she wish to transfer her employment. Another visit was needed before any thoughts about the communal areas could be made.

She decided to call Angela after she was settled in bed.

"Are you back at school tomorrow?"

"Yes, Tammy, I got fed up look at the bedroom ceiling. Mum's given me the blockers but says I'm not to start them while I had a fever so the first one will be tomorrow."

"What did the professor say?"

"He thinks the time is right, but he's not prepared to put me on HRT yet."

"What was his reason?"

"He said I had too much self doubt."

"Do you?"

"At times, perhaps?"

Tammy wondered whether she should tell Angela to 'pull herself together' or 'believe in herself', but they were only words and could be misinterpreted. Saying nothing, however, wasn't going to help either.

"I think it's got nothing to do with your transition but rather what went on before."

"You're right, and that's what I told the professor."

Tammy was relieved.

"What did he say?"

"He didn't know about Dad, it seems none of Jill's notes about Dad's death made it to Glasgow."

"I bet those notes were filed under your mum's name?"

"Probably. He did know about me jumping out of the window though."

"So our local shrink did manage to do her job once?"

"Obviously."

"Are you glad you went to see him?"

"Yes, but I could do without that journey."

"When does he want to see you again?"

"July, I think, after school's finished. He'll consider HRT then."

"Maybe we can get a joint appointment and have a few days away?"

"Sure, anyway I'm turning in. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, goodnight."

 
Thursday 22nd January
 

After the episode on Tuesday morning Tammy was being careful back at school. It would seem, though, that all of her tutors so far were aware of her recent health problem and were being gentle with her, much more than the boys. Of course that generated some issues of its own.

"Sir, is it one rule for us and another for the girls, now?"

"Jenkins, you will withdraw that remark."

"Sorry Sir."

"I think you should apologise to Miss Smart too."

"My apologies, Tammy."

"Accepted."

At break time she and Angela were able to speak.

"It's weird, has something been said?"

"In what way, Angela?"

"All of the masters are being, well, kind to me."

"I had that too, Jenkins wasn't too keen on the idea though."

"Him? He's going to struggle in his exams if his coursework is anything to go by."

"Was his father a St Andrews old boy?"

"I believe so, do you think that might be a problem, Tammy?"

"If the boy has been placed here simply because his father attended the school, yes, but is there more?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure, just keep an eye on him."

"Okay. What's next?"

"Business Studies for me, you?"

"Sociology."

"I'll see you at lunch then."

"Bye Tammy."

A few minutes into her Business Studies class it was explained that the rest of the class had submitted their proposals for the last assessment before their exams.

"This assessment will be due in the day before the Easter break, the same day as your long term case study. What do you have in mind?"

"A fashion show, Sir."

"In what way, photocopying a glossy magazine is hardly sufficient and you can't fly out to Milan."

"Of course not Sir, I'm one of the managers for a fashion show being held in March at Thurso golf club. I've been promised all the financial data from the clothing manufacturer who's sponsoring the show."

"How did you arrange this?"

"By working in a ladies clothes shop, perhaps some of the boys might like to try it."

"What else?"

"I've been invited to be a model."

"Swimwear?"

"Sir?"

What had probably been intended as a humorous comment had got out of hand quickly. The master went various shades of red before apologising, Tammy regretted not having her brooch camera any longer. He composed himself and settled the room.

"Yesterday we also went through the long term case studies and did a review. I can't say that there was much to review with most of them, what about yourself?"

"As you know my long term case study is the clothes shop where I work on a Saturday. The shop, quite apart from being involved in the fashion show, has outgrown its premises. I have bought the adjacent property and will be renting it to the store owner."

"Do you mean your parents bought it?"

"My father enacted the transaction but the money will come from my own company, Tamara Smart Property Limited and I'm recorded as the owner."

"If you don't mind, how much was the shop?"

"One hundred and fifty thousand."

"I see. Plenty of material for your project, then?"

"Yes, one of the problems might be that there is too much."

The lesson continued but there was an uneasy air, the master had not performed well. Tammy decided to let it drop.

***

She had a study period immediately after lunch but decided to visit Joan Small's office before heading towards the common room or the library.

"Hello Tammy, sit down. What can I do for you?"

"Joan, I spoke to Angela at break time and a couple of things came out of our conversation."

"Right, what concerns you?"

"Firstly, almost all of the masters have been overly nice to Angela and me so far today. This is not behaviour that could be attributed to us simply returning from our sick beds."

"I'm not sure if I can answer that."

"I see, my guess is that there is an investigation into Yvonne Stewart and there's some damage that needs addressing."

"I definitely can't answer that Tammy, and I think you know why."

"That answer is sufficient, thank you."

"You suggested there was another concern?"

"Yes, Jenkins."

"Senior or Junior?"

"Senior, I didn't know there was a junior."

"He's in year eleven. What's your concern?"

"Jenkins was a little too vocal this morning in class when referencing me but Sir dealt with it just fine. I was concerned that Jenkins, Senior, had some emotional issues but I wonder if the issues are with his brother?"

"Tammy, I cannot say anything at all and I have probably said far too much."

"You haven't actually told me anything, apart from there being two Jenkins."

"That's still too much."

"It's hardly a state secret."

"Look, you're putting me in a very difficult position, Tammy. I promise you this, though, if I need your or Angela's help then I will ask, until then please drop these two enquiries of yours."

"Sure. Thanks, Joan."

Tammy left the office, not entirely satisfied and walked up to the next floor to the sixth form common room where she met John Hibbert, thankfully the room was otherwise empty.

"John, can you help me?"

"Sure, Tammy, what is it?"

"You deal with the year elevens, don't you?"

"I'm one of the year prefects, yes."

"I'm concerned about Jenkins but I understand he has a brother in that year?"

"Yes, and all is not well it would seem."

"In what way?"

"He's been breaking down in class."

"What's his form master doing about it?"

"He's referred him to Mrs Small."

"That's why she wouldn't tell me anything."

"You asked her?"

"Yes, but I learnt nothing.

"Okay, if I hear of anything do you want to be kept informed?"

"Yes, please."

"Now, what happened in your Business Studies class this morning?"

"Nothing."

"I've had two of the boys come to me already alleging inappropriate behaviour. What happened?"

"I told Mr Carmichael I had been asked to be a model and he queried if I would be modelling swimwear?"

"That concurs with what I was told, sorry Tammy but I have to report it."

"Okay, but I think it was more a slip of the tongue than anything malicious."

***

There was a maths lesson last period which generated some homework but very little excitement, especially when the class was dismissed before the bell. Tammy took the opportunity to change her footwear and to head to the main entrance, ready for the first minibus.

"Miss Smart, could I see you for a moment?"

Tammy looked around and could see Janet Adams gesturing her into the secretary's office. The door was closed firmly.

"I was given this a few minutes ago and it was pointless bringing it up to you." Janet handed her an envelope.

"What is it?"

"You've been asked to give evidence into Miss Stewart's behaviour and conduct."

"Why? I thought Mr Thompson had everything he needed?"

"Her union is challenging the allegations and is preparing to sue the school for wrongful dismissal."

"She can't! I mean she's currently under investigation by the police for bribery, amongst other things."

"Well, that's what I've been told. You are to report to the Head's office at nine in the morning where the school's solicitor will take your account as well as question you."

"Just me?"

"No, Joan Small, Angela Small, John Hibbert, James Hunter and several other sixth formers, plus Thwaites and a few more from the lower school."

"Okay, but I want to see the back of her."

"Fine by me. Right, go catch your bus."

"Yes, Miss!"