Before 24 Billion and Counting

Chapter 9 Uncovering the past with interference from the now

An insistent warble fought with my desire to stay in the comforting oblivion of sleep, but eventually I opened my eyes to morning sunshine, and answered the 'phone. Kelly's voice, "Good morning boss." 

"What time is it for God's sake?" I asked in a thick croaky voice. 

"It's either ten or eleven in the morning with you I'm not sure which. I'm sorry if I woke you. Julie told me about the accident. I assumed that you'd be up by now." 

"No it's alright, it took a bit more out of me than I thought it would. Is there a problem?" 

"No. Not really. We saw the TV interview and wondered whether you wanted to change your itinerary?" 

I felt under pressure. Until I had read that damned manuscript I would not be able to make decisions. Anyway I could do with at least one extra day to catch up with my original plan. I was due to go to Lyons, and then Frankfurt. Fortunately I knew these two organisations well, and those I would be seeing were personal friends. 

"Kelly I know this sounds a bit lame but could you talk to Rene and Kurt for me. Tell them about the accident having thrown my schedule to hell and gone and that you'll get back to them for some new appointments the day after tomorrow." 

"OK if that's what you want, no problem. But remember there's a board meeting in just over a week. Can you fit them in and get back in time. Wouldn't you rather I made provisional appointments now and sort the travelling out." 

"No Kelly. I need to feel free with some open space at the moment." 

I must have let an edge loose in my voice for she said, "Alright, alright, I'm just trying to help." 

"Sorry, I'm obviously not a hundred percent yet." 

"Okay. No sweat. I'll do what you want. Ring me tomorrow morning, that's say your nine or ten this evening to see how you feel." 

I put the phone down, and slowly got out of bed. I certainly had stiffened up, and there were bruises all over my legs and chest and backside where I had been trapped in the car seat. A hot bath helped, and I walked down to breakfast in the restaurant pretty hungry for something substantial. 

I had always approved of the full English breakfast as being a magnificent start to the day if you were hungry, and today I was. What I hadn't been prepared for was the attention of several fellow diners, and the waiter as I tried to eat this meal between people saying they'd seen me on TV and was I alright. So I was polite as my bacon and eggs and what all else grew colder, whilst I smiled and said yes, it was a strange experience and yes, I was lucky and no, I was just a bit stiff. 

Eventually the curious went on their way, and I finished the great but now chill English breakfast. However it cheered me up, and with hot coffee inside I made for the room. However I was paged to go to reception. As soon as I saw the smart young man with an Avis badge on his lapel I felt I would not be able to forget the accident ever. I introduced myself. 

"I couldn't bring the car back with me - as you may appreciate." 

"No sir that's not a problem but I need to get the papers sorted out and agree an off hire time. Have you your copy of the hire agreement?" 

Up to my room, and bring the papers, I also picked up the watch. On my return we agreed the offhire time of 12.43 pm yesterday, and I signed the papers. 

"Were you satisfied with the car otherwise, sir?" 

"All other things being equal it probably saved my life because everything worked properly to the very end, I couldn't fault the brakes, or the steering or the airbag."