river walk

As usual,on a quiet day in early summer,Tom always liked walking on the path next to the river as it was good exercise, also it was usually fairly quiet where he went and there was lots around to see, if you knew where to look, as he did very well having been there so many times before. So after a short drive there, he was a bit surprised and disappointed to see so many cars, many of which looked quite expensive and not what he expected to see in that part of town where most people were very poor and could not afford a car of any type, in the car park so obviously the nice weather had helped to attract many visitors from bit further away than usual which he rated as good as they probably would not know the best places to go. Then he remembered that it was school summer holidays which was more obvious when he reached the picnic area which full and noisy with so many kids in the nearby playground.

However, after a quick sandwich, he decided it was a good time for wander and he started by going upstream. As usual, he enjoyed seeing a few fish just a little into the water which a few hopeful looking fishermen with cans of beer next to them on the bank were trying to catch, and just above the surface of the river some dragon flies and damsel flies, plenty of geese and ducks one very proud mute swan defending his patch of water. By the path there were bees and butterflies, colourful flowers, quite a few squirrels, two or three foxes and finally. a muntjac deer which was his first seen for over a year although probably not the same one as this one was small enough to be part of the new season’s. Thinking that he had probably had seen everything that he would for the day, he was at the last corner before the car park when spotted a quite familiar face. Tom knew that he was not good at recognising faces or people, but he was fairly sure that it was his old work colleague Ken Masters in front of him. To make it easier and potentially less embarrassing he wandered slowly in front of Ken and then said quietly but loud enough to be heard over the children in the next door playground.

“You look like my old friend Ken at exactly the same age that you were ten years ago when we last saw each other when we worked together. Your walk hasn’t changed practically at all, although the smart, striped suit is missing for what I presume is a very good reason like it being the weekend.”

“And you are still the same old Ken How are you? Still looking for work?”

“No chance of ever getting any beyond the few days a year I do with central London NHS Trusts which does not pay many bills and little chance of a new car .”

“Why don’t you come back to my place. Grace will be very happy to see you again. She occasionally asks me how you are getting on and I am sure that you will be quizzed on it so get prepared as you come back there.”

“ That would be great. Are you still living in the same old place just around the corner which I remember quite well?

“Yes and we wouldn’t ever swap it before one or both of us die which hopefully won’t be too soon, especially as it is a nice easy walk to the river which we both do and often together where we have wildlife spotting competitions which I usually do the honourable thing and lose which I rarely need to do as she is much better than me and knows all the names of the birds and butterflies without needing to refer to a book.”

“She would beat me easily.”said Ken “I’will get going now and see you there in 30 or 40 minutes.”

“I will let Grace know that you are coming which will thrill her I am sure.”

So it was that Ken rang the fairly familiar doorbell at Tom and Grace’s house which was still mainly a pale yellow and the door was opened by another familiar face which was Tom’s wife, Grace, who greeted him with

“ Tom told me that you were coming. I hope that you stay long enough for a quick bite of dinner. Before you say anything, it is already made as I often make enough for three as I can freeze a portion for me to eat when Tom is away on business.”

which she followed on with“It is just a simple stew tonight. So come in and tell me how you have been doing over a quick drink.”

A few minutes later Tom came in and they all sat down in the living room with a glass of wine where Tom opened the discussion with

“So, Ken, healthcare in London is still of interest which could be good for both of us as I have a project that needs some expertise like yours. We are just about to start looking at the long term strategy of tertiary care in the capital which is worth nearly one hundred thousands pounds to us in total and we could pay you one hundred pounds an hour for about twenty hours a week or even more, depending on how much we need over the next six months as part of the team if you are interested in joining us.”

“I couldn’t say no.” said Ken “When could I meet the team and start work?”

“ How about next week?”

“I will be at your office in town at nine o’clock Monday morning. if that is OK with you”

"Fine. See you then - suit and all I hope

So it was that this ended up being the most valuable walk that Ken had ever taken up the river and he swore to come back again as soon as possible.