Wednesday 8 October 2008

Bike Book Part Five

The story so far for new and confused readers. This is the 5th extract from my opus/novel about the adventures of Martin who never comes home one evening and disappears on his bike. I know what you may be thinking and my therapist asked, "I have to ask you William is this about to happen?". I don't think so but watch this space(!) or rather don't because if it were to happen this blog would probably go silent. It might go silent for other reasons so don't wait in hope or dread!

Bike Book Part 4 was put on the blog a couple of days ago and earlier parts were put on in May was it? and sooner or later I will put it all together in the right order or not. In the following extract Thomas's therapist is quizzed about his disappearance:

"Jane Baliniski?"
"Yes?"
"DC Jackson and Matthews"
"Oh... do come in." Jane was a bit flustered, even though she was expecting them it still set her on edge. She waved them into comfortable chairs within her therapy room (that seemed to her the right place to talk to them in). She had a half smile on her face at the thought of engaging a police man and women in therapy - couple counselling indeed!
"As I told you over the phone there is a question of confidentiality between therapist and client-"
"We appreciate that Mrs is it? (Jane nodded, not wanting to score a feminist point) Baliniksi. But Thomas Marino is missing and we have found his bike at Beachy Head"
"Oh" gasped Jane suddenly feeling tearful.
"Yes... so we value any general information that you can give us."
"Especially about his mental state.... You were the last person to have seen him as far as we know."
"Oh... let me see... THomas, hmm... He seemed his usual self when he left."
At five o'clock?"
"Yes that was his regular time... But I had wondered. He had been less forthcoming somehow the last month or so. A bit out of reach, a bit like he was turning in on himself, almost closing down a little. You would hardly notice it."

"Would you describe him as suicidal?"
"Matthew? No, well not actively so, he might neglect himself as men can often do, especially when their marriages break up. But that's not the case for Matthew. Is it?"
"No."
She paused, "Listen I am telling you this is confidence, giving you some background-"
"We understand."
"Although Thomas wasn't that happy in his life, in his marriage, in his work, I really don't think he would take his own life, not the sort. However, I can imagine him leaving-"
"Home, work, friends, everything?"
"Yes"
"Why?"
"Why? Well there comes a time in many people's lives when they feel they have had enough, when the prospect of leaving their old life and starting anew is attractive. Many people dream of this."
"Yes, but" for there was an implied But.
"Yes, I know, would Thomas? I believe he would and he has the tenacity to do it. But what surprises me is that I didn't see it coming.... There was no hint of an approaching crisis..."
"Only the way he had been withdrawn you said?"
"A bit withdrawn yes... how did I miss it?"
"So if he hasn't killed himself but he has disappeared any thoughts of where he might have gone?"
"Abroad?"
"No he left behind his passport."

"Thank you for your help... Can we call on you again if necessary?"
"Yes of course."
A somewhat stunned Jane showed out the policeman and woman and then sat in her favourite armchair and stared into space, 'What on earth are you doing Thomas and where the hell have you gone?"

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