Finding Havers, plus other Ghosts short stories

Finding Havers: Part 4

"Right guys, gather round!" Alison shouted and clapped her hands. 

Mike and the Ghosts came together in a circle around her. 

"I've decided to take some alone time this weekend, away from all you Ghosts. You are an absolute joy to be with, but sometimes, it's nice to have a break from all your ceaseless talking. So, I'm going to Normandy, in France. I might go to the beach, have a walk along the coast, and generally relax. The Captain, we've discovered, is able to go past the boundaries of Button House. A special power, like Robin's, or Julian's. He's going to come with me. The purpose of this trip will be revealed once we come back. But it's only a weekend. Don't worry, I'll be back on Monday."

"Now, here's the bit you have to listen to. I know that Mike will be home alone. And let's face it, you're not the most careful guy. (But I love you anyway!)" Mike grinned and Thomas almost growled. "So, as a precaution, I'm leaving this phone on the coffee table. If Mike gets into trouble, can Julian please try and call 999? I know you won't be able to say anything, but at least they will come. Also, if it's more minor, you can call me. I've written my number on this little scrap of paper here. Julian, can I trust you?"

"Welllll, you know me. But sure, I'll try!" he rubbed his hands together, cogs turning in his brain.

"Thank you. From a politician, that's good enough for me. Mike, please try and stay out of trouble, and Ghosts, please don't torment him either. I'm going to spend this afternoon packing, and I'll leave tomorrow morning, so I'll need MINIMAL disruption. Please, just this once, behave yourselves! Thank you for listening. Dismissed."

They all shuffled off, talking amongst themselves. Pat winked, and Captain smiled slightly. However, Thomas was distraught. 

"Alison, Alison!" he said, chasing after her as she left. "How can I survive two whole days without you? The light of my life, the reason to keep on- hang on, I can't say living, umm, dying? Please, Alison, don't leave, I just can't bear it!"

"Relax Thomas, it's just for the weekend. And I'm only across the English Channel. It's not like I'm going to Japan or something! And if you really can't wait any longer, you can get Julian to call me!"

Thomas sighed, and said "Oh alright. But you better come back on Monday as promised!" 

"I can assure you of that, Thomas. I won't let you down." Alison smiled dazzlingly, with her face illuminated by a strip of sunlight from the tall windows, and Thomas almost swooned. 

Kitty tailed the Captain all day, desperately trying to find out why he was leaving. "Please, please, please, please, pleeeeaaaase tell me! I'll keep your secret I promise!"

The Captain turned around, and his face softened. "Kitty, while I appreciate your enthusiasm and curiosity, this is a sensitive subject for me. As Alison promised, I will tell all once I come back. Alison might send you and the Ghosts a postcard, who knows?"

Kitty's eyes lit up at "postcard", then narrowed in confusion. "Ooooo, a postcard. What's a postcard? It sounds exciting. I don't know what it is, but I love it!" She ran off, having completely forgotten about finding out why the Captain was leaving.

Alison spent the afternoon packing, with Pat and Lady Button constantly over her shoulder. The things they suggested to bring however, were very different.

"Trust me Alison, you need to bring tins of beans, tea, lots of tea, a box of matches- no several boxes of matches, a tent, bug spray, a saucepan, a portable stove, gas canisters-"

"Pat, I'm not going camping! Though I might bring the beans though, it would be nice in the mornings."

Pat smiled, satisfied that his duty as Scout Master and Camping Adviser-Supreme was done.

Then Lady Button swooped in, screeching in Alison's ear.

"A lady does not bring a bathing suit such as that! I can't bear thinking about seeing you with all that ankle and elbow exposed! So uncouth! Where is your knife and fork? One can't possibly be seen using someone else's cutlery! Oh, I despair sometimes Alison! The young women of today!"

Alison shooed her away, and dropped a silver knife and fork into the suitcase.

"Happy now?" she asked, hands on hips. Fanny humphed and stormed off, muttering under her breath.

"Alison, Alison, send us a postcard, pleeeeaaaase! I don't know what it is, but I want one, desperately! The Captain said you might send us one. You must! It'll be so exciting!" Kitty said, almsot jumping up and down with excitement. Alison nodded, tiredly. Kitty cheered, and danced around the room.

"We're getting a postcard! We're getting a postcard! We're getting a postcard!"

She stopped suddenly. "Wait, what's a postcard?" Pat cut in. "Well, you see Kitty, a postcard is a..." They walked off out of the drawing room.

Pat looked behind him quickly and winked at Alison.

She sighed with relief and mouthed "Thanks Pat!"

Now, finally at 11pm, Alison was packed and ready. She sloped off to bed, absolutely exhausted.

On her way back she looked up and noted "Huh. The chandelier's a bit wonky. I'll have to fix that once I come back. Too late now."

She set an alarm for 5am with a heavy heart, leaving time to copy down the Captain's letter. She'd sketch him on the flight.

Mike also looked up, and noticed the chandelier. He smiled, coming up with a useful, if not hugely dangerous plan...