Chapter Thirteen: A Religious Dimension Inviting Religious Members. The Reporter Is Still A Problem And Old Slippery Is Not Happy: Movie Ideas Are Revealed!
Time moves on. We were now entering February. Yes, the central focus of this story seems to be the Lounge Bar of the Bull. The 'academics' could not make it, but everybody else was there, including Pamela Parsons. Plus again, it was the same gray weather, maybe a touch warmer?
Starting with the movie news. Of the options, the family-friendly one seemed to be gaining most currency. This could be made into a franchise and would have the widest appeal. Pamela said that the BBC documentary had been going well. They had consulted closely with both Dr. Amelia Smith, as well as Professor James Hudson.
There was also the possibility of widening the scope of the 'Slippery Jake' committee. They had also talked to several other academics and historians. There was another important body of people she thought which could be included. These were religious representatives. She had in mind inviting along the local C of E. Anglican parish vicar, the Reverend William Frampton. She had sounded out the academics, and they were both happy with this. Pamela mooted other religions could come along from time to time, the different Christian denominations, as well as the 'mystical' wing of Judaism, the Kabbalah, and in Islam, Sufi Islam. She thought Buddhist and Hindu holy men and women could come as well. Plus maybe of course not all at once, but from time to time. There could be many more. The ancient wisdom held in some so-called 'native beliefs' fascinated her along with reputable representatives from old pagan faiths. Sandra beamed when she heard this.
Pamela Parsons had had long and detailed conversations with a number of religious authorities. They all felt that the appearance of the ghost had very far-reaching consequences for religious beliefs of all kinds. The term redemption and atonement seem to be coming through all the time. This would be the central theme of the forthcoming documentary. All the religious groups thought that the spirit of the Right Hon Jake Horatio Higginbottom' was looking for redemption in some form or another.
They also noticed how 'protective' the ghost was of the Bull Public House and some of its present members. There was much 'food for thought'. They also pondered if the Supreme Being, in whatever form you considered God to be, was sending out a general message to humanity through the appearances of 'Slippery Jake.' Was Slippery Jake God's emissary?
All in all very heavy-duty stuff. This also linked to the 'line' that Hollywood was taking. They had been in contact with Pamela Parsons over several matters including this 'spiritual aspect'. Yes, there was scope for some scary and maybe some violent scenes. Slippery was not your normal 'common or garden ghost.' They all recognized there was a consciousness there.
The Hollywood producers kind of liked the fact that most of the activity takes place in the Bull's Lounge Bar. This would keep production costs down, as they only had to build a replica of the bar along with the cellar. However, they needed to 'edge' him up a bit, to spice things up. Pamela Parsons said that she and everybody else could be happy with that. She also invited some of the production team over, which they agreed to.
So the Bull would shortly fill up with religious and spiritual leaders along with 'Hollywood movie moguls', a very interesting mix.
Isabella then joined us. A little bump was starting to appear. Both Lina and Magda seemed very interested. The Detective Chief Inspector looked across at Justin and James.
"Well lads, you have both done good. You will soon be fully qualified detectives."
This was news to both of them. The Chief Detective had a habit of springing surprises.
"So a more 'formal' arrangement with your two lady friends? Before you know it, you will both be dads!"
"Och aye. Then the wee bairns, ye ken!" Beryl added.
Lina and Magda had overheard this. They understood full well what this meant and were both elated.
However, everyone was soon 'brought down to earth.'
"I see Sellars has 'silvered' in again." This came as a soft snarl from the Detective Chief Inspector.
The Detective Chief Inspector leaned across to Sandra and Kevin.
"This is strictly off the record, 'hush hush and on the qt.'" The Chief loved crime movies. LA Confidential was a particular favourite of his. Both Sandra and Kevin were keen movie buffs as well and got this straight away. The Chief passed across a sheet of typed paper to them.
He whispered. 'Later'.
It contained a detailed account of a sordid affair the 'snake' had been party to with a young lady. The 'Detective Chief' wanted more 'dirt'. With that, he could put the 'frighteners' on the 'snake'. Much that he wanted the 'removal' to be done via the ultra-cool hands of Slippery Jake. However, engineering this and making it seem an accident could prove too complicated.
The three of them would meet up at a small safe site nearby, from time to time. They also set up a 'secure' email link. He wanted total security. The two young 'lads' were not in on this. This was far from legal as well. He could trust Sandra and Kevin. Yes, there would be some remuneration, but they were both really happy with this. Isabella looked across at me with a quizzical smile. I later explained I thought the 'Chief Inspector' was up to something. Isabella laughed. "He moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform." "Yes!", I replied.
In the Bull, Slippery had made another of his appearances. I don't know what clothes were available for him down below, but each time he came again dressed to the 'nines', and his attire was always different. A full patterned turquoise cravat, what appeared to be a satin waistcoat with matching britches, high leather (presumably) riding boots, tasseled Hessians, and of course his flamboyant three-cornered hat from the chest, complete with large feathers. He was looking very dapper. He had been a very close rival of that famous Regency fop and dandy, Beau Brummel.
Sandra and Kevin duly recorded all of this. Isabella noted that he was totally vein. He still wanted to be a fashion icon. This had not gone unnoticed by a number of the regulars to the Lounge Bar Restaurant. Discreet photos were taken of him. He seemed to be aware of all of this and sat back preening himself. Was there a scent of lavender drifting around the room? Was this emanating from Old Slippery?
"We would need to raise this with our two academic colleagues at the next meeting. There now seems to be an olfactory dimension as well. He never ceases to amaze!" came Pamela's reply.
Isabella also added:
"I will get in contact with Professor Hudson on this, but I remember lavender was used a lot by ladies and gentlemen in the Regency to hide aromas and unwanted smells. Maybe this is linked to syphilis as well? Personal hygiene being a little lacking then. Also, a fellow doctor told me that there were once extensive lavender farms in what is now South London."
" I suppose I better tell the production team about this as well."
"We will update all of this on the website," Sandra added.
"Totally reliable."
Pamela further added.
This produced big beaming smiles from Sandra and Kevin.
The Detective Chief Inspector noticed Old Slippery giving him a wry look.
"He knows about my plans." With this, the ghost smiled.
"I suppose I could use other alternatives." With this Old Slippery
gave a slight smile and a very sardonic look.
Percy looked across.
"He is mind reading again?"
"He is." the Detective Chief replied without going into details.
The snake was busy writing down notes. A few papers did pick up on his article.
"Pervie Ghoul loves Lavender!"
"This 'Dandy' is an affront to good middle-class values, blame this on the 'Nanny State.'"
Plus more of the same. As there was very little news around so some of the 'red tops' stuck this inside their papers and online.
When Detective Chief Inspector Higgins got wind of this he was far from happy. Both Sidney and Beryl at the Bull were livid. They really wanted to see the back of this individual.
We both got home safely. There was no weekend work for Isabella. She had been told to take things very easy. Apart from school preparation I had a very relaxing weekend. So we both got ready for a new week.