The 16mm Caper

Chapter 20

Peter found Mary alone in the kitchen and he pressed her for a decision about their relationship citing what he hoped to be received with good humour, the fact that they were supposed to be taking a trip together.

"You left with a bit of a bang, Mare."

She sighed and leaned against the sink. "I know. It- you just made me so- so angry." She flopped her hands around helplessly.

"I just didn't have the answers you wanted to hear. You've heard what the others have said, even Dylan and Catlin have listened with an open mind." The remark lit a spark in her eyes and Peter blinked regretfully. "Sorry, but you know what I mean. I mean you know what- aw shit, Mare . . ."

She folded her arms and stared at the floor, both of them silent - waiting.

"What's up with you two?" Catlin popped into the kitchen with some empty glasses.

"Nothing. We're just- just having a talk."

She put the glasses on the counter and her hands on her hips. "You know, Dylan and I are getting pretty tired of this on and off again business with you two. We've been friends a long time, Mary, but I find youre approach to a relationship a little selfish." Mary's neck and cheeks turned red and her eyes darted between Catlin and Peter, who was looking anywhere but at her. "Make up, make out, and stop all this foolishness." She dusted her palms together and went back to the others.

Peter coughed and tried to say something light but he watched Mary's shoulders start to tremble and her hands crept up to cover her face and in a moment she was sobbing into her fingers.

"Mare, Mare. C'mon now. There's nothing to cry over. Catlin was just trying to shake us up a little."

"She was my best friend." It came out a wet blubber.

"She still is, Mare. She is. C'mon. Please."

"Am I selfish, Peter?" The sobs became sniffles and she moved into his arms. He tried to think of something funny to break the tension but he took too long thinking. "You do think that!" She pulled away and began dabbing at her face with a tissue. "Fine. At least I know where I stand."

"Mary, for God's sake get sane for a minute will you?"

His outburst brought her up short and suddenly she saw how she had provoked a completely unnecessary situation. Harv came into the kitchen and looked at them both with confused annoyance.

"The rest of us are meeting to try and solve your problem. Care to join in?"

"Sorry, man. This is something that's been brewing."

"Yeah well brew it later, we've got to figure out a plan or forget the whole thing."

"Who made you the king?" Mary suddenly blurted. "Peter is the one who found the film, the decisions should be his."

"Fine then. Come and make some. I'd be more than happy to step down." His sarcasm was thick but his eyes twinkled at Mary and she blinked open-mouthed.

"I think we've just been sorted out, Mare." Peter put an arm around her shoulder and led her back into the other room.

******

Julia answered the phone and listened to Austin's greeting, measuring the tone and delivery for any hint of trouble. When he paused and asked if she was all right she soothed his worry with an affirmation.

"You're sure? You sound a little distant."

"I've been waiting for this call and word of your progress. I want to know what's happening, Austin. I told you the other day things had to wind up and fast. Or I'm out."