Chapter Fourteen: Rev William Frampton and Father O'Halligan Joins Us. Plus A Way Is Found To Remove 'The Snake'.
Yes, another Friday afternoon at the Bull, and yes, slightly more clement weather was coming through. It will soon be Spring.
Most of the committee were there. Excuses had been found. This included Isabella. Her pregnancy was progressing well and the hospital was cutting her more and more slack. This was not easy for her, given her dedication, but she fully understood why. Plus the 'Old Slippery' discussion group had been expanded by the addition of the Rev William Frampton, Church Of England, and Father O'Halligan, the local RC (Roman Catholic) parish priest.
Father O'Halligan was also Beryl's priest. She was a devout Roman Catholic and tried to get to Mass most Sundays. Sid, on the other hand, was C of E, High Anglican, like me. There is not the space to go over trying to explain what the C of E is all about, the Church of England. The Rev Frampton and Father O'Halligan were introduced to the group. Both these religious leaders had a liking for 'libations'. So two pints of the Bull's best real ale were poured in pint glasses. "On the house", Beryl called out.
"It pays to be a priest! This is a rare event!" Detective Chief Inspector John Higgins quipped. He could never resist a sarcastic line or two. Beryl gave him a stern look.
"No free drinks for me then?"
"No Detective Chief Inspector, ye ken!" was Beryl's quick reply.
Pamela Parsons restored an element of decorum.
"You know why we have invited you here?"
Both religious men duly nodded.
"The appearance of the ghost of the Right Hon Jake Horatio Higginbottom, the highwayman, has thrown up several very profound dilemmas. You may well both get the opportunity to see him soon."
This was a cue for Lina to do Old Slippery chair cleaning duties. None of the staff were at all keen on this for obvious reasons. Needless to say Old Slippery 'materialized'. He thoroughly inspected her in his usual licentious manner. Lina ran across to Justin for comfort and reassurance. After a long kiss, she returned to the bar.
The ghost did his usual inspection of the customers along with the bar staff. The Lounge Bar was doing well. All the tables were full. He quickly noticed the two men 'of the cloth'.
The Detective Chief Inspector commented.
"He soon 'clocked' you two."
Old Slippery gazed intently at the two clergymen. He stroked his chin with his ultra-thin fingers.
"He knows full well who you both are." Professor Hudson commented.
They also had a strange session that their minds were being probed. Old Slippery had definitely started mind reading. They both mentioned this and the Detective Chief Inspector added.
"This has been happening a lot to me recently when he appears."
The Reverend Richard Frampton started pondering all these matters.
"Pamela Parsons, you have been recording this with the help of these two fine young people Kevin and Sandra?"
"Indeed we have Reverend Frampton."
"Please call me Richard."
"I also understand that these recordings have been verified by reputable experts at the BBC?"
"They have Richard."
"We are convening an ecumenical group. This will be open to other reputable religions and faiths, plus we will be sounding out our experts regarding the recent events at the Bull."
Father O'Halligan then added. "This does have monumental implications. There seems to be irrefutable evidence that there is an 'afterlife'. The consciousness and awareness that this ghost also seems to possess is also truly remarkable."
"I am wondering if there is any scope for truly communicating with this deceased highwayman? By all accounts, he did perform several very evil actions. I understand these have all been thoroughly investigated of late."
"Indeed they have Father O'Halligan.", came Pamela's reply.
While all these conversations had been taking place, Slippery Jake had been following this discourse very closely with an increasingly quizzical smirk covering his face,
"Old Slippery is 'earwigging', listening in. There is conclusive evidence of his consciousness!"
The Detective Chief Inspector noted.
"I get the feeling he has been doing this more and more often."
There was agreement all around on this.
The meeting had gone very well. There was a general feeling that these meetings should continue at the Bull on a Friday afternoon. If people could not make a meeting and there was an important subject to be discussed, then substitutions could be made. There was also the thought that other faiths should be present. Not everyone all at once, otherwise the meetings could become unwieldy.
The two Christian priests did have a number of interesting suggestions. They knew of a Sufi Iman from Senegal, who would be more than happy to turn up. They also knew of a Jewish Rabbi with a deep understanding of the Kabbalah. They were in contact with a reputable spiritualist who was a member of a Wicca group that would also be interested. There were also Hindu and Buddhist representatives, a Zen Buddhist, that could also take part. Plus of course a Quaker, they knew, who had an interest in this area. This all fitted in very neatly with what Pamela had in mind.
The rest of us were a bit taken aback by the number and range of religious bodies these two gentlemen were in touch with. Both the Reverand Richard Frampton and Father O'Halligan had a reputation for having very open minds. They both understood that their particular faiths could not on their own encompass the wonder of existence. They were both completely devoid of any prejudices. We were very lucky to have them both in our group. Yes, Pamela Parsons also mentioned that scientists and academics could be called upon in the future. Again, not too many at once, but the potential was enormous.
In a strange way, the kingdom of Al Andalus had been recreated. The Islamic kingdom in Spain during the Middle Ages, where the three main Abrahamic religions could meet and discuss matters openly.
The Chief Inspector raised another important issue.
"The press will get wind of this, don't you doubt it."
"I can deal with press releases and summaries these meetings "
Came Pamela Parson's calm reply. We all thought she was doing enough already. However, she thrived on working hard.
With the topic of the press, the Chief Inspector raised another point.
"He's back."
"The 'snake' had slinked in. He is sitting over there. Plus I think Old Slippery has 'clocked' him !" That was also noticed.