Part One     "Matinée"

 
Please note that this is the second book in the Tommy & Tamara Series.

If you have not already done so, please read The Ceilidh, Toms Fireworks and Tamara's Début. A Character Index is available.

 

And now the story continues

 
 
Saturday 13th December
 

Tammy woke early on the Saturday morning, confused how she’d ended up in bed as she couldn't recall much of the previous late evening. Several bunches of flowers adorned her room, presented to her at the opening night of West Side Story at Thurso's Mill Theatre. Looking at the clock it was just before seven but knew she wouldn’t now get back to sleep.

After a trip to the bathroom she dug out some documents her father had requested, leaving them on her desk to be picked up later. Tammy then booted the laptop and checked her emails, nothing there apart from some spam, next she accessed Amazon and ordered a few things for herself and as presents. With that done, she was having a wander around the BBC’s site, trying to keep up with current affairs. There was a knock at the door, it was still only seven fifteen.

“Come in.”

“Good morning, Miss Smart, I thought you’d like a coffee?”

“Thank you, Leanne.”

“Not at all, Mrs McPherson suggests joining her for breakfast at half-past seven.”

“Thank you.”

What Tammy thought, but didn't say, was that a suggestion from Elsie would be regarded as a command if it had come from anyone else. Tammy washed hurriedly, her face still bore small traces of the theatre warpaint from the previous evening. She managed a few sips of her coffee but headed downstairs to find Elsie with the coffee mug in her hand, some habits die hard.

“Good morning, Tammy.”

“Mornin’ Elsie.”

“My my, do you need elocution lessons young lady?”

“No, maybe just a back massage.”

“Pardon? Never mind, please try to use the Queen’s English.”

Tammy thought of several retorts but kept them to herself. “Naturellement.”

That was the end of that conversation. Their breakfast was being taken in the side room adjacent to the kitchen. Their toast arrived, as well as a fresh pot of coffee, and a jug of orange juice.

“Tammy, I thought we could have a girls' day out.”

“Who? Me, Angela, ....?”

“No, Angela’s needed elsewhere, you, me, Cathy, Andrea and Alison?”

“Where to?”

“Just into town, I’ve booked a table for lunch so we can catch up. If we get any shopping done it’ll be a bonus. Sarah's aware that you're busy today.”

"Please remember that I must be down at the theatre by two for the matinée performance."

"Don't worry, that's been considered. Now, finish your breakfast then get upstairs, I want you ready by nine."

Tammy took a refreshing shower and started to dress. If she was expected to try clothes on, then a skirt would be useful, then again it was probably sub-zero so jeans were de rigueur.

Choosing the correct jeans and top took time, the correct lingerie more time, the appropriate coat, scarf and boots even longer. Then she had to decide which bag to use.

She sent her co-star, Tanya, a text to ask if she was okay. Tanya had been hurt when pulled from the stage during the opening performance by George Small, estranged father of Angela Small. George was, hopefully, still in a cell awaiting an appointment with a magistrate. His original target had been Tammy but George had misidentified her as both of the lead actresses were in character, speaking in a Puerto Rican accent.

A reply came quickly,

Not too bad, just a few bruises, see you at the theatre later

Tammy arrived in the entrance hall to find Elsie tapping her foot. Tammy knew it was alright to be late for a man, but did the same rule apply to another woman?

"If you think you will be accompanying me in jeans, young lady, then you are mistaken. Go back to your room and put on a skirt, now!"

Tammy was back a few minutes later. She'd seen an appropriate mid-calf length woollen skirt during her first search through the wardrobe but had dismissed the idea; clearly that was the wrong decision. She changed her footwear for knee high boots.

Not a word was said as Elsie made for the Range Rover that was out front, with Tammy scurrying behind, the estate's gamekeeper was behind the wheel. The wind was blowing hard, making driving conditions less than ideal, but Tammy felt safe all the way into town. Their driver was to be trusted, she decided.

They pulled up directly outside the Castletown Hotel.

"Thank you, Jonathan, I'll call when I need you."

"Yes Ma'am."

Elsie had reserved a booth at the rear of the lounge and led her charge directly there, was clearly not just a lunchtime meet-up. They were giving their drink orders to a waitress when Cathy and the sisters arrived. Alison and Andrea had stayed the night with Cathy and David, having planned to surprise Tammy with their visit.

The five kissed before sitting down. The waitress stood there as the gossiping started.

"Ladies!"

Elsie certainly had a way of silencing them.

"Please tell the poor girl what you would like to drink, then perhaps she can go?"

Multiple orders for latte and mocha followed. Tammy had noticed that each of them was in a skirt and boots, as she was. This was, it seemed, normal for a Saturday's shopping and gossip. For the past few months Tammy would have been on her way to work at Sarah's Boutique, travelling as Tom.

"So Tammy, how was it?" Cathy had the first question.

"It was fun last night, you know, frightening at first but I was into it quite quickly."

"You do know we were there last night, Tammy?" Alison spoke for both of them.

"You were? I know you promised but .... it wasn't the best opening night ever."

"Maybe not but there was tons of emotion on that stage, you did brilliantly. Have you heard from your co-star?"

"Yes, Tanya seems okay and will be there for today's performances."

"So, would you do it again?" Cathy took over.

Tammy paused before answering, "I think so, but it would depend on too many things."

"Like?"

"Like school and which play it was?"

The subject matter switched.

"You're back at school on Tuesday aren't you?"

"Yes, Andrea, assuming everything goes well on Monday?"

"It will, Tammy," Elsie stated.

“I know you've said that before, but I won't know for certain until I step into my first class.”

"Are you looking forward to it?" Back to Andrea.

"I think so, but it'll be a new experience - that much is unavoidable. Of course, I'm not the only change; Angela is back the same day, and her mum is due to start work as well."

They continued to chat for a few minutes, switching to Cathy's recent honeymoon exploits, when the coffees arrived.

***

Back at the house, Richard was getting organised.

“Angela, we have an appointment in the town.”

“Why?”

“If you're certain about being Angela then we need to make a legal adjustment, otherwise Tim will be going back to school.”

“Oh.”

“Richard, I didn't think you could get a solicitor appointment at the weekend?” Joan was curious.

“Joan, they don't advertise weekend facilities but anything can be achieved if you have a great enough need.”

“Richard, I hope you're not showing off?”

“No, I can see a requirement and I know that right now you can't afford this yourself. If you feel you need to pay me back then wait until you've had every penny from George. I won't be sending you an invoice though.”

“That's far too generous, but thank you. Do you know what's happening with the police?”

“No. Obviously the assault was on Tanya not Angela or Tammy so that restricts what we can find out.”

“Even though he is my husband?”

“Especially as you were separated when he assaulted you.”

“I suppose so, it's just frustrating.”

“Hang in there. By the way, I had a message last night from Sandy, she'll do you at nine on Monday. Apparently the governors want to see you at ten thirty.”

“How does she know? Who arranged it? Never mind.”

“Just assume that everyone knows everything, it's easier on the brain that way. Oh, you could try to blame Elsie but she'll always deny everything. Right, our appointment is in half an hour so we need to get moving. Do you have those papers I asked for?”

“Yes.”

Angela looked confused, she didn't know her Mum had been back to the cottage, or what papers they were talking about. She shrugged and went upstairs for her coat. Richard went to Tammy's room and found the documents he'd need later. Satisfied he returned to the hall and waited there for the ladies.

A few minutes later the three of them headed into town, parking close to the town centre. Their first stop was the offices of Doherty & Hughes. Angela stopped outside and asked her mother what was going on.

“Sorry dear, you need to change your legal name unless you want everyone to refer to you as Tim.”

“Like Tammy did?”

“Exactly,” answered Richard.

Mr Hughes was a small man who plainly didn't like being in the office at the weekend, although it was clear that Richard had persuaded him otherwise. Their business was brief, the document was sworn then signed and counter-signed. Finally copies were made, authenticated by the solicitor, who was additionally irate as his staff normally did the copying.

“Congratulations, as of today, the 13th of December 2014, you are to be known as Angela Theresa Small.” The addition of Theresa, suggested by Angela, was news to Joan and Richard. Under the circumstances they just nodded. Given Angela's age, no parental authority was required.

With that, Mr Hughes ushered them out into the street, locking the door behind him. As they walked towards the Post Office they spied Mr Hughes running for his car, no doubt an important client was waiting, failing that an early lunch at his golf club, after a round maybe?

Angela was given a quick hair and make-up check-over by her mother before being directed to a photo booth in the Post Office. Whilst that was being organised, Richard obtained a copy of the Passport Application form and, with Joan's help, started to complete it. Richard acted as counter-signatory for Angela. He also had a copy of the form that he'd collected for Tammy and had already completed, with Elsie counter-signing as having known her for ages. He had spare photos from her driving licence application so didn't need to take any more today.

Angela had joined the long queue as soon as her photos had been printed, all she held right now was £40 for as many first class stamps as possible. As she neared the front of the queue Richard passed over the two completed and checked forms plus cheques, photos and the other required documents; there was a noticeable groan from further back in the line.

Richard had also paid for express processing for both applications hoping that the passports would be back in one week. Of course, anything could happen now they were in the mail to the Glasgow Passport Office.

With that done, Angela Theresa Small was sent to the hotel for lunch with Tamara Smart and the other girls. Richard and Joan returned to the cottage together; their own lives were increasingly complicated.

***

Meanwhile Cathy, Andrea, Alison and Tammy had been out to look around the shops whilst Elsie did something for herself. They reconvened at midday at their reserved table just before Angela arrived.

"Right," said Elsie, "let's order lunch."

That took most of the next two hours with the gossip shop in full swing. Tammy wouldn't have previously have joined in on a Saturday as she was working but by two in the afternoon she and Angela had another place to be, a taxi took them but it was still two fifteen when they walked in through the stage door.

Iain Brown, the director, was on the warpath, Tammy simply said shrugged then added, "Elsie McPherson!" With that Iain knew he couldn't win but he could still shoo Tammy into the dressing room with little time to chat. Angela escaped up to the gallery and set the lights for the matinée performance. Even though it didn't now seem necessary, there were two police officers on duty at the theatre; one was in the carpark and the other in the foyer. It helped that Iain Brown was the local Chief Inspector.

The show went well, with only one mishap when one of the gang members slipped up during a dance, although most of the audience thought it was a part of the act and the cast didn't let on. Once again there was incredible applause and even more flowers. Tammy and Tanya, her co-star, shared the flowers amongst the supporting cast as soon as they were off the stage.

"Right all of you, very good but watch where your feet go on that ice outside. I need you back at six so you have an hour to spare, but feel free to stay. If anyone wants a sandwich then let me know and I'll do my best to arrange it."

Most of the cast stayed and many had brought a snack with themselves, although one consideration was getting greasy fingers on the costumes. As Tammy and Tanya started the show in a different costume they simply put on a wrap over their underwear.

"How did you feel this morning?"

"I was a little sore where I fell but it doesn't hurt now."

"I'm assuming the police wanted to talk to you, how long did they take?"

"They let mum take me home first so we could have a late snack but I was warned not to shower until the police doctor had taken a look."

"I've met him."

"The officer who turned up said he'd be in the theatre tonight, he only needed fifteen minutes to take my statement."

"Okay, at least we know George Small won't be here tonight."

"Mum seems to know alot more than she's told me, but was there some trouble in England too?"

"Yes, Joan Small was hurt by him and ended up in hospital."

Some of the other female cast were now sat too close to have a private chat so they turned the conversation to matters concerning Christmas and the New Year.

"What's your plans, Tammy?"

"I don't know, I've never been up here once the school closes and don't normally get back until after Hogmanay."

"You'll have to join us on New Year's Eve."

"I'll have to check what Elsie's planning, it's bound to be complex!"

It didn't seem that long before Sarah was helping the girls into their costumes and Joanne was sorting out the stage paint.

Maybe it was that news of the performance was getting around, or that more alcohol was being consumed by the audience, the applause was the loudest yet. Tanya had an extra loud roar from the audience tonight, no doubt the gossip system was talking about the previous evening, not least in her mum's hairdressing salon.

Almost everyone made it home without incident that evening, except for two drivers who hadn't reckoned on police being around the theatre. "Just blow into this, Sir."