Continue the story.....

[lunababymoonchild]

off I went in search of the exquisite looking Pythagoras Smethwick, always in the hope that I can actually talk to her face to face, (I hope that she's in a good mood!) and then get the investigation started. Just as I was thinking of her legendary beauty .........................

Edited August 13, 2023 by lunababymoonchild

[lunababymoonchild]

I walked straight into her, knocking her shopping all over the place. We scrabbled to pick it all up and I could see by her expression that she was not impressed. I apologised and did the only thing that would mollify her .............

[itsmeagain]

,  namely, I made Pythagoras a cup of sweet sugary tea, she liked it and

[lunababymoonchild]

there was no tomorrow.  Basking in the after-glow I dared to ask her if she would help with the investigation. She was so delighted that she immediately agreed and suggested that we make a plan right there and then. Then ........... 

[poppy]

I had to try to remember what the pertinent details were. So much had happened and so many names had been bandied around that I felt quite befuddled. Losing my ponytail seemed to have had a detrimental effect on my memory cells, not to mention Pythagoras's startling gymnastics in the bedroom department.  Fortunately ...

[itsmeagain]

when I enquired of Pythagoras,  what is the name of Millie's husband, she recalled it as being Harry. I soon recalled Charlene, she of Charlene's chapeaux, and my face took on a steely countenance, determined to find the culprit, fight nefarious injustice,  and generally be an upright idiot, a bit like Boris.... 

Edited August 14, 2023 by itsmeagain

[poppy]

the Bojo. With chin jutting, in what I hoped personified the lantern jaw of Kirk Douglas or Popeye, shoulders back and stomach in, I strode off in the direction of ...

[itsmeagain]

the kitchen, cup in hand, aiming to make myself a nice cup of sweet, soothing, tea. We'll soon be having these bumpkins, I'll catch them on the hop if ever........

[lunababymoonchild]

there is an opportunity to do so. Meanwhile, I sat with the lovely Pythagoras and we both supped our hot sweet tea, whilst thinking about our task at hand. At last .......................

[itsmeagain]

we decided to just head to Charlene's chapeaux on Gizzard Boulevard,  and for Pythagoras to pose as a customer.  'Ask about blue Virginia cotton caps, then also pink silken fedora with a red stripe', I said, trying to be....

Edited August 16, 2023 by itsmeagain

[lunababymoonchild]

clever. "Don't be ridiculous" Pythagoras replied. I will do it my own way and in my own time. Wait here for me ..." And with that off she went.  I waited a ridiculous amount of time and then .................

[itsmeagain]

I took off by myself, travelling all the way to Charlene's chapeaux, where I entered, and began browsing.  Looking at their range of trilbies, sun hats, and flat caps, I was struck by.....

Edited August 17, 2023 by itsmeagain

[poppy]

a particularity natty looking pith helmet which I thought would go a long way to disguise the ruins of my beloved ponytail.

'How much?' I enquired of a hoity-toity looking woman who I took to be Madame Charlene. Pythagoras gave me a filthy look and hissed, 'I thought I told you to wait outside!' 

Madame Charlene looked me up and down and said in a fake French accent ...

 

[itsmeagain]

Je suis, ooh pardon.. I am the maitre d of zis establishment..ze name is..errm..Charlene Insupportable, at votre service..  ow may I...

Edited August 17, 2023 by itsmeagain

[lunababymoonchild]

'elp vous?”

 

“You can stick that fake french accent, for a start Tatty Doughnut!” I declared vehemently “Charlene Insupportable indeed! I'd recognise that rotund physique anywhere! You're from the Biscuit side of my family, and no mistake.” 
 

*aside to Pythagoras* “always prone to rotundness, the family Biscuit” 

 

*back to 'Charlene'* “Chapeaus, what were you thinking? “ 

 

At this ………..

Edited August 17, 2023 by lunababymoonchild

[itsmeagain]

'Monsieur Lamonde, je suis afraid vous have miscalculated badly. I hereby formally request vous redact votre statement.....

[poppy]

'Jis sweeze ain't gonna redact no votrah statement, tubby one! And where do ya get Monsewer Lamond from? (question to co-authors ... what IS my name again, I'm getting mightily confused 🤣)Ya know full well I'm ya third cousin twice removed on our great-uncle Basher Biscuit's side. Get off ya high horse and ...

Edited August 19, 2023 by poppy

[lunababymoonchild]

*John Revolting*

 

admit the truth. You are Tatty Doughnut from the Biscuit side of my family and no more french than I am!” I screamed, getting more and more upset. The lovely Pythagoras chose to step in at this moment and …………..

[poppy]

handing me a paper bag said, 'Calm down! You're hyperventilating,  breathe into this.' This had the immediate affect of ...

[itsmeagain]

making me puke, after which I felt way better. I said to Madame Biscuit '@s stated, je suis John Revolting, all I want is a hat, bohemian cherry if you will, and if...

Edited August 18, 2023 by itsmeagain

[lunababymoonchild]

you could possibly furnish me and Pythagoras here with some hot sweet tea (I said to buy me some thinking time), I'd appreciate it. Thank you." Then ..................

[poppy]

Mrs Biscuit stamped her not insubstantial foot (size 11 at a guess), tossed her head,  sending her blonde curls bouncing in all directions and causing her wig to go aschew and shrilled, 'You zink zis is some kind of greasy spoon arrangement??  Va-t'en! Maintenant!!' With that she flounced out. Pythagoras and I looked at each other ...

[lunababymoonchild]

“After her!” I yelled “She's not getting away with this malarky!” Slamming my fist on the table and scarpering after her. Pythagoras, far too elegant and sophisticated for that type of behaviour, remained where she was. Whereupon, after a good look round, she found …….

[itsmeagain]

a nice cherry 🍒 red fedora with elastic green trim,  a rhea feather on the peak.

As I put it on, my mobile rang.

'Hello,is that John Revolting..? It's Bobert Gallstone from Wrongtime books..you recall we met..?..well...

Edited August 20, 2023 by itsmeagain

[poppy]

you know that book you were after? The first edition of  'Inside the Fascinating World of Paint Drying'? Well it's ready for you.

I was delighted, I'd be able to pick it up wearing my new hat.

(picture of my hat in different colours)

But more pressing matters pressed and Pythagoras was looking none too ...