Chapter 31: Repercussions Yet Again
However, all the crowds wanting to come in, and reporters of all kinds were still trying to be part of this scene. The movie's release in September had generated a massive interest in the Bull Public House.
People at the main entrance were carefully vetted by bouncers, pretty much all the time. Regulars and the 'committee' were fine as were the genuine movie people.
The Detective Chief Inspector was starting to notice that the ancient highwayman's patience was wearing thin. He was not at all happy being treaty as a 'circus novelty act'.
This was starting to show.
Detective Chief Inspector John Higgins had a 'telepathic' word with him. He told him to try and ignore it. The Highway Man related that this brought back memories of when he was hung on the gallows. Crowds turned up to ridicule him and had thrown all sorts of things at him.
The Detective Chief Inspector tried to reassure him. However, he could see where Old Slippery Jake was coming from. He promised he would root out the worst offenders and ban them from the pub. The Detective Chief Inspector could easily work out where this could end up going if it was not promptly nipped in the bud. Between them, they identified the worst culprits. They were given a stiff warning by the Detective Chief Inspector. This may not be a legal matter but it was made plain how Old Slippery might react if they persisted.
Those that ignored this advice were banned from the Bull Public House. Details were sent to all the bar staff and bouncers. The Detective Chief Inspector mentioned this to his two ex trainee detectives. Relevant uniformed officers were also informed.
However, that did not stop some over-enthusiastic people.
Two young women approached Old Slippery's throne, cell phones at the ready in front of them, on an early September evening. The Old Highwayman gave them both a very sharp look. The eyes reddened and he stretched forward with his hand and gripped both their hands.
They felt his very icy grip. Paralysis had started to spread through their arms to their bodies. Luckily the Detective Chief Inspector was there. Fortunately, he was always there for any major 'Slippery' incident. His wife had long grown used to this.
A glance and a thought were transferred across to the House Ghost. This worked immediately. Sensations came back into their arms as the two young women staggered back. Most of the Lounge Bar Restaurant customers noticed this too. Nearly all were regulars and could see what was happening. Luckily the young ladies recovered quickly, although it was a close-run thing. The Chief Detective Inspector took them across to the other side of the room, He set himself in the middle with the two young ladies either side. They held out their cell phones and got their selfie with the ghost in the background.
Professor James Hudson was also there. He needed no excuses for being there either.
The four of them sat down and the professor got everyone a stiff drink. The Detective Chief Inspector reminded them of the 'no selfie with the Highway Man' policy. This was the reason why. The professor filled them in on some of the histories of the Bull Public House Ghost. This left them a bit shattered too. However, everyone settled down. Behind them, Old Slippery was wagging his finger and smirking.
Was this an opportunity to flirt with these two young ladies, bringing them over? Maybe a close encounter with death meant nothing to him, being dead himself, but to others?
With the movie crews gone and the movie out there, things kind of calmed down. It was clear that Hollywood had in mind sequels following this movie.