03 Dear Teacher by Jack Sheffield Read Free Book Online Page B

subtle highlights had not been disturbed.
    ‘ ’Cept f’Chopper’ Arris,’ said Norman ‘Nutter’ Neilson, the psychopathic fullback. There was a moment’s pause as everyone considered this possible exception to what was a well-known fact.
    ‘Ah’ll give y’that, Nutter,’ agreed Big Dave: ‘ ’Cept f’Chopper.’
    Everyone nodded in agreement. Chelsea Football Club was in Division Two of the Football League and Chopper Harris was their notoriously tough defender.
    ‘It said in t’paper they beat Cambridge one–nil, Chopper were booked an’ fifteen spectators got arrested,’ added Stevie authoritatively, trying to restore his reputation.
    ‘Sounds like a good game,’ said Chris ‘Kojak’ Wojciechowski, the Bald-Headed Ball Wizard.
    At that moment Laura, wearing a beautifully tailored narrow skirt, a checked blouse and a fashionable ‘Sherpa’ woollen quilted waistcoat, walked into the lounge bar. She looked as if she had just stepped from the cover of
Cosmopolitan
.
    ‘Hello, Jack,’ she said and kissed me on the cheek before she sat down. ‘What a day!’ She slipped off her waistcoat, stretched and massaged her neck. ‘Liberty’s was heaving today,’ she said, ‘but at least my business plan is working.’
    ‘Business plan?’ I queried.
    ‘Yes. Nothing to worry your head about, Jack: it’s just a few sales strategies of mine to increase profits. Desmond from head office in London rang me today to say he was impressed.’
    ‘I’m pleased it’s going well,’ I said. ‘So what would you like to drink?’
    ‘I need a G and T.’ She took a pound note from her sleek leather purse and offered it to me.
    ‘No, it’s my turn,’ I said and walked to the bar.
    Sheila moved swiftly to serve me and made sure I had a good view of her cleavage. ‘What can ah do for you, Mr Sheffield?’ she said, leaning forward and fluttering her huge false eyelashes.
    ‘Just a G and T and a half of Chestnut, please, Sheila.’
    As she pulled on the hand pump she glanced across at Laura. ‘Ah see you’re with y’girlfriend, then.’
    ‘She’s just a friend, Sheila.’
    ‘Looks a bit young f’you, Mr Sheffield. You’d be better off wi’ a more experienced woman … if y’get me meaning.’
    I glanced nervously from Sheila to the bulging biceps of her husband Don at the other end of the bar and beat a hasty retreat to Laura. She sipped her drink and began to twirl her hair round her finger and thumb in the same way that Beth used to do.
    ‘What’s all the fuss in the other bar?’ asked Laura.
    ‘They’re installing a television set,’ I said, ‘and the locals don’t like change.’
    ‘It’s part of the London scene now, Jack,’ said Laura. ‘You must let me show it to you some time.’
    ‘Well, I love the theatres and museums.’
    ‘So do I … We could plan a visit.’
    ‘Sounds a good idea, Laura … Perhaps later.’
    ‘I’ll hold you to that,’ she said with a mischievous smile and downed her drink quickly.
    ‘Another?’ I said.
    Laura nodded. ‘Just an orange – I’m driving.’
    Half an hour later Laura glanced at her watch. ‘Sorry, Jack, but I’ve got an early start tomorrow. I had better get back to York.’
    I walked her back to her car.
    ‘Thanks, Jack. It was good to see you.’
    ‘My pleasure, Laura.’
    She kissed me on the cheek. ‘Let’s do it again soon,’ she said and disappeared into the night.
    When I wandered back into the bar a loud cheer rattled the walls. Don had fixed the television in place. ‘There y’are. Job’s a good ’un,’ he said.
    ‘Guess we’ll ’ave t’ope for t’best,’ grumbled Big Dave.
    ‘Y’reight there, Dave,’ said Little Malcolm.
    I attracted Sheila’s attention. ‘Another half of Chestnut Mild, please, Sheila.’
    Sheila fluttered her false eyelashes. ‘Comin’ up, Mr Sheffield. Anything f’you.’
    ‘Ruby seems to be enjoying herself,’ I said.
    ‘That’s Jimmy Savile. ’E cleans our winders,’ said