Page 58 of Autumn in Sycamore Park
‘I was thinking to pass it round on Monday,’ Gavin said. ‘Obviously if she snuffs it, I’ll have to make another one. What do you think?’
Jennifer wanted to point out that Matt had two Ts, but the lump in her throat suddenly exploded, and all she could do was start to cry.
‘It’s perfect,’ she choked, trying not to be sick. ‘Just perfect.’
Tom,wearing waders, was standing up to his thighs halfway across the duck pond, poking at something with a stick. When Jennifer called his name he turned and gave her a wave.
‘Just unblocking the fountain,’ he said. ‘I’ll be there in a minute.’
A few minutes later, with the newly unblocked fountain bubbling gently away in the middle of the pond, Tom emerged onto dry land and began stripping off his waders.
‘Been meaning to get to that for ages,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t sure it would even still work. Now it’s going again, it should clear the water a little so you can see the fish better.’
‘I need a favour,’ Jennifer said.
‘Sure.’
‘I need you to come with me to talk to Regina Clover.’
‘I think I’d rather dive straight back into the pond,’ Tom said. ‘Why?’
‘I’ve thought of a way to both save Big Gerry, and prevent the new water treatment plant,’ Jennifer said. ‘And I think you hold the key to both.’
Tom grimaced. ‘I’m not going to … you know, if that’s what you mean. She must be about eighty-five.’
‘You won’t have to. At least I hope not.’
Tom looked awkward. ‘Can’t I just stay here and rake leaves? It’s so much easier.’ His eyes brightened. ‘Oh. We’ve got a couple of hedgehogs preparing for hibernation. Any chance you could bring your class down for a fieldtrip next week?’
‘Actually, I’m bringing them to Angela’s café on Tuesday for a cooking class. We decided against doing it in the school because Angela was worried she might forget something. I’m sure we could find time for a guided tour.’
‘Great. I’d love to show them the hedgehogs.’
Jennifer gave him a light punch on the arm. ‘So … Regina. If we’re quick we can make it this afternoon, before the council offices close.’
Tom sighed. ‘All right, come on then. I can drive.’
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up outside the council offices. Only when they were in Tom’s car had Jennifer realised he still smelled of pond, but it was too late to do anything about it now. Together, they headed inside.
They signed in at the reception and headed up the stairs. Jennifer knocked on Regina’s door and this time received a sharp, ‘Who is it?’
‘My name is Jennifer Stevens, from Brentwell Primary,’ Jennifer said. ‘I’m here with a friend, Tom, who works as the caretaker in Sycamore Park. Could we please have a word?’
There was a long pause. Jennifer glanced at Tom, who shrugged. ‘Give her a chance to change out of her witch’s costume,’ he whispered.
‘All right. You get two minutes,’ came Regina’s voice.
Jennifer clenched a fist, then grinned at Tom, who just shrugged again. Straightening her blouse, and giving her hair a quick pat, Jennifer opened the door.
Regina was sitting behind her desk, writing something on a piece of paper. She didn’t even look up as they entered.
‘I hope you’re not planning some stupid protest,’ she said, still leaning over her work. ‘You can chain yourself to whatever you want, but if you think I’ll make you a cup of tea, you can get stuffed.’
Jennifer was about to speak when the screensaver came up on Regina’s computer monitor. Jennifer glanced up at Tom who had a big grin on his face. She had told him about it in the car, but he hadn’t believed her. Facing them was an advertisement for a West End production of Les Misérables, with Tom’s character, poised to begin a song, in the middle of the screen. As Jennifer gave Tom a nudge in the ribs, he spread his arms, and sung in a deep baritone, ‘We have come … to save … the park!’
Regina looked up, nearing falling out of her chair. Her glasses fell off her face, and she scrabbled to pick them up.
Tom was in full flow now, making up lines as he went along. ‘The trees … will last forever, and ever, while your smile is just a memoreeeeeeeee…!’
