Tamara's Début   Part Twenty Three   by Shiraz

 
 
Friday 12th December
 

The morning started early for Tammy when her mobile phone rang at five thirty, in reaching for the device she knocked it to the floor causing the battery to fly out. Partially awake she dragged herself into the bathroom before falling back into bed.

The next noise Tammy heard was a gentle knock on her door.

"Come in."

"Good morning Tammy, do you have any plans today?" asked Joan.

"I'm at the theatre tonight - hopefully - apart from that it's a quiet day. I'd also like to get some coursework done."

"That's good, I'd like to distract Angela with some ordinary activities, could you work together?"

"We share two subjects, maths and english, so that shouldn't be a problem. Angela doesn't have a laptop here though, I wonder if it could be collected?"

"She doesn't have one, her father forbade it. We only have an old PC, one of the school's cast-offs, in the cottage she could use to type stuff, but we had no internet access."

"Okay, but she really needs one if she's going to succeed. Do you plan to go back to the cottage today?"

"Yes, but I'm not sure how long we can keep it, the governors have a motion to dismiss George and the cottage is part of his contract."

"You know Angela is welcome here for as long as she needs, Elsie would almost certainly make the same offer to you."

"She already has, I'm just not sure of staying. Perhaps Angela needs a clean break?"

"Perhaps but she should finish her schooling. Now, I won't interfere apart from getting her a laptop, if that's alright?"

"You've already spent too much."

"I can afford it. By the way, what was your work before you came here?"

"I was a school teacher, that's how George and I met."

There was another knock at the door, Elsie put her head round.

"Ladies, breakfast in twenty minutes, we have much to discuss."

That broke up the discussion as both Tammy and Joan headed for their showers. Twenty five minutes later Tammy walked into the dining room, the last one to arrive. She sat down to a bowl of porridge, followed by a cooked breakfast. With that out of the way Elsie ushered everyone into the sitting room where extra chairs had appeared. Once all were seated, Elsie addressed the gathering.

"Right, I've spoken to Caithness Police this morning. I'm sure they were breaking some confidentiality rule but I can be quite persuasive at times."

That generated a polite laugh.

"George Small was identified in Aberdeen last night but has since disappeared again."

Tammy suddenly remembered her early morning alarm.

"Elsie, my phone rang several hours ago, it was still dark. I couldn't get to it in time."

"Thomas, could you retrieve Miss Smart's mobile phone?" Tammy hadn't seen him hovering at the back of the room.

"Certainly Ma'am."

"Now, so far as the police are concerned, Thames Valley Police have obtained a bench warrant for him from a magistrate. That warrant, unfortunately, is not valid in Scotland so the local police are seeking a similar warrant from a procurator fiscal. Mrs Small, I have taken the liberty of waking up your solicitor and suggesting you apply for a restraining order in the Scottish courts. That's been taken care of and our tame barrister will be making an application within the next twenty four hours."

"Elsie, that's very kind but perhaps I could have a say in this?"

"Sorry, Joan, but we had to move fast."

"Elsie, I can't afford it, but won't the police be able to obtain a warrant quickly?"

"There's no guarantee that the warrant can be issued before the weekend, but don't worry about the cost. We'll cover it for now and you can repay us when you receive the settlement from your husband."

"I get the feeling I shouldn't mess with you, with respect Elsie."

"Joan, I support my wider family in any way I can. Sometimes I ruffle a few feathers, but it gets the job done."

"I'm sorry I accused you."

"Don't be, even I need to be taken down a peg at times."

Outside there was the sound of dogs barking. Thomas now returned to the sitting room, Leanne followed with coffee.

"Miss Smart, your phone I believe?"

"Thank you Thomas." Tammy re-assembled the phone and switched it on to retrieve a voice mail. She switched it to loudspeaker for everyone.

"Tom Smart, your appearance this evening will be memorable. I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

Angela started to weep and was hugged by her mother. Tammy went to delete the voicemail but decided against it. After hanging up she checked the call records for a missed call, this time there was a number.

"Elsie, I have the phone number that he used."

"Richard, can you pass that one to the police?" On Elsie's instruction, Tammy handed her phone to her father who headed for the study.

"Now, onto other matters, I've spoken to the school and they are well aware of the situation. Nothing will be done concerning your husband's employment, Joan, until Monday but they are prepared to make a few concessions subject to your agreement. Can we speak later?"

"Yes, Elsie."

"Anyway, the school is still cut-off for normal traffic but they have grounds staff clearing the driveway all morning, checking the gate regularly. Their CCTV will be able to monitor the access road beyond the inner gates. Perhaps we can get you over to your cottage in a few hours when the ploughs have been through? I'm certain there's a few things you need."

"Thank you."

"Tammy, do you still want to do the performance tonight?"

"Yes."

"I do too." Angela now spoke for the first time.

"Angela dear, are you sure?"

"Yes Mum, I am. I promised I would be there, or at least Tammy did." She looked straight at Tammy and giggled. "Honestly, I don't mind, I would have said the same."

"Okay girls, I have tickets for tonight for everyone so we travel as a group, in the two Landrovers. That's this evening. We'll eat at lunchtime and just have a light tea before we leave. I believe you're needed there by six?"

"I think five-forty-five would be best."

"Thank you Tammy, I'd agree with that."

Richard returned to the room.

"I've spoken to Acting Sergeant St James, he seemed to know you, Tammy. Anyway, he's already aware and has taken the threat seriously. There will be at least one officer on duty at the theatre tonight."

"Thank you Richard, I believe that's everything for now."

That was Elsie's signal to disperse the group. Tammy took Angela's hand and mentioned the coursework. A few minutes later both girls were in Tammy's room, her laptop between them.

That's how it stayed for the next few hours, with both girls finishing more work than they had for several weeks. Exhausted they closed down Tammy's laptop just as they heard the dogs barking furiously, followed by a shotgun discharging.

The two girls scurried downstairs.

"Slow down girls, it could be nothing." Elsie mildly chastised them, Joan stood there quietly.

They waited for a few minutes until one of the groundsmen came into the house.

"Excuse me ma'am, the dogs caught a smell and went flying off towards the woods. They were heading for a stag in the trees, he'd have ripped the dogs apart so I fired a shot to warn him off."

"Thank you William."

"Ma'am."

"So, it was nothing after all. Come and sit with us for a minute, lunch won't be long."

The four of them sat and talked, fashion and the social scene being the main topics. Michael, fresh from his own endeavours outside, headed up to his room for a shower. Richard, however, braved the female orientated discussion and walked into the sitting room.

"Elsie," when he finally was allowed to get a word in, "the driveway is now clear and we have seen a snowplough on the road. I think it's fair to say that we can get into town."

As if to prove that point, Jill joined the throng in the sitting room, led by Thomas. Richard headed up to his room to freshen up.

"Have you eaten, Jill?"

"No, I came straight from the hospital."

"We're sitting down for lunch shortly, I'm certain the kitchen can include you."

"Thank you, with the play tonight I might get any decent food at all."

"Thomas, could you arrange a place for Dr Davison?"

"Certainly, Ma'am."

"Mrs Small, perhaps we could have a word in the study?"

"Elsie said you were a Doctor?"

"That's right, Tammy has been one of my patients for a while and now Angela is on my list."

"Why do you need to speak to me?"

"I think that's best said in private, don't you?"

"I understand, I think."

Jill and Joan left the room for their chat, although Joan was still unclear why they needed to talk, getting out of her chair however had reminded her of the injuries sustained two days earlier.

Tammy's father now returned and asked Tammy to follow him to the conservatory.

"What's up Dad?"

"We need to be careful this evening, George Small has met you out of costume so would likely be able to identify you. Angela might be harder for him to see but our group will be easily spotted. Therefore, don't go anywhere on your own."

"Don't worry Dad, I have the whole cast to look after me, plus a few hundred in the audience."

"I know, but I still worry."

"Don't, although I hope Jill can speak to Iain Brown to let him know the situation."

"I'll remind her, but she's probably already covered that."

"Probably!"

As they walked back into the hallway lunch was called, the two of them headed directly into the dining room, followed by the rest, with the exception of Jill and Joan. After two minutes Richard rose from the table and went to the study door.

He knocked gently, Jill opened the door after a few seconds.

"Jill, lunch is ready."

"We'll be along shortly, don't wait for us."

Richard returned to the dining room and passed the message to Elsie. The lunch was brought in and served to the collective, it was several minutes before the two women arrived. Joan had clearly been crying, nothing was said, however.

After lunch Jill asked Angela to join her in the study. Tammy was wondering whether to return to her studies when a cold breeze heralded the front door being opened. She turned around to see someone running towards her.

"Tammy!"

"Cathy!"

They hugged briefly then Tammy started her interrogation.

"Hold on, let a poor girl get out of these boots and put some comfortable shoes on."

"Green wellies, very chic."

"They're only Hunters, not YSL."

"I was kidding."

"I know, like your hair, by the way."

"Thanks, but it needs doing again. Woah, I've got to call Sandy and get an appointment."

"I have an appointment on Monday morning, I'm sure she can squeeze you in."

"I'm supposed to be going back to school on Monday."

"You're not back already?"

"No, my paperwork was only issued this week, there's a Governors' meeting on Monday that has to ratify the decision, but I'm pretty certain there won't be a problem."

Tammy stopped at that point, she hadn't told Cathy she used to be a sixth-former at St Andrews, only Elsie has known originally. Cathy guessed what Tammy was thinking and whispered in her ear.

"Tammy, don't be worried. Mum told me just before my wedding, but I'd never have guessed otherwise. Andrea sent me a text while we were on honeymoon to let me know you were recovered from your little incident."

"Thanks, but did anyone else know, I didn't want to be a laughing stock."

"No, your secret is safe, girl's honour."

"Okay! It's silly stood here, let's find your mum."

The two walked into the sitting room where Joan and Elsie were talking quietly. Tammy went to turn and walk back out but Elsie stopped her.

"Tammy, Cathy dear, please come here but close the door, will you."

"If you insist Elsie."

"I do. I think I need both of you."

Cathy obviously knew more than Tammy thought, "hello again Joan. I saw Jill's car out front, is she with Angela?"

"Yes."

"I get the feeling she's put you through the mill?"

"You could say that, I can't say it was pleasant."

"I've known Jill a long time, she says that her first sessions with anyone are always the worst, it gets easier from there, not that I've ever been a victim, sorry, patient."

"I think the real victim here is Angela."

Joan brought Cathy up-to-date regarding her husband while Tammy explained how the few days in London had gone, emphasising that Angela had come out of shell and had even enjoyed the experience. Tammy however admitted she'd pushed too hard.

"I forgot that I'd had months of practice in the shop before I went outside, I knew how to make the clothes work for me, as well as my camouflage paint." That caused a giggle.

"Angela was thrust into the wide world too soon, but she survived."

There was a noise behind Tammy as the sitting room door closed.

"Only just!"

"Angela, I'd like to introduce Cathy, Elsie's newly married daughter."

Cathy stood and walked to Angela who was a little uneasy, Cathy kissed her on the cheek before suggesting she sat. Jill, in the meantime, had already taken a seat.

Elsie was the first to question Jill, "so how is Angela?"

"She'll live."

"Come on Jill, you know what I mean."

"Sorry Elsie, I think you know why I can't say anything more."

"Yes, in that case we'll just have to tickle Angela until she gives up and tells all."

That caused the room to descend into chaos, relieved only when Tammy asked Cathy about the honeymoon. As the details of Cathy's and David's experiences unfolded Angela become increasingly embarrassed, to Tammy's amusement.

"Angela, you have to get used to girl talk, even join in."

"But ...."

"But nothing. Are you a girl now?"

All eyes turned to Angela who burst into tears, all except Jill who's eyes were fixed on Tammy.

"Tammy, study, now!"

Tammy started to stand up but Joan intervened, "Tammy, please stay where you are. Jill, you may not be prepared to say what happens in your sessions but I can, especially if it concerns me."

"That is your right, but I would suggest that it's not appropriate right now."

"I feel it is."

Jill waited almost a minute with no words said. She then stood up and walked out of the room, heading for her car. Having said her piece she didn't want to be around to be picked apart.

Joan took a deep breath and started.

"Tammy, Jill thinks you have pushed Angela so far that she could never make a decision to become a boy again, it would cripple her emotionally. She says that is wholly your fault."

"Joan, I've already said I am sorry." Tammy was finding it difficult not to cry.

"Tammy, don't. I won't accept what Jill has said and, unless she retracts her allegation, we'll find someone else who can see Angela."

Joan walked over to Tammy and gave her a hug, Angela followed her mother to similarly embrace her. The room stayed silence as Tammy dried her eyes before a weak smile returned to her face.

Joan continued, to the room, "Angela has felt for years that she was different but it wasn't until she knew Tammy, instead of Tom, that Angela finally realised who she is. I think Jill has missed the point, Tammy is a catalyst not a cause, the result was never in doubt - it was just a matter of when and how?"

Angela picked this up, "I'd like to thank everyone here for helping me get to this point. Sure I was scared, very scared, but it's a journey I needed to make, even if I didn't know it at the time. I am now certain that I won't return to school as a boy, Tim has left the building. "

Everyone stood for a group hug, before the tears took over. The phone had been ringing whilst this was going on, but was ignored by everyone bar Richard, who had retreated to the study.

"Excuse me everyone, I have some news."

Richard waited for the room to fall silent, "George has been spotted in a car near Thurso railway station but it's not known where he went from there."
 
 
Tamara's Début concludes with the next chapter.