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Short Story |
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Mad Dogs And Englishmen |
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I was sat in the garden of my tiny cottage, supposedly writing a review of the appalling film I had watched last night. Although, as the sunlight streamed through the leaves of the old apple tree, playing kiss chase across my skin, I was in serious danger of falling asleep. |
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The mood was only spoilt by the roar of Mr Smith's lawnmower, like a dragon on the prowl for a juicy princess. I kept catching the odd glimpse of him through the hedge, his limbs flailing wildly, as he lapped the herbaceous borders. Whoever said that country living was peaceful was quite obviously stone deaf. |
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I slid on the earphones of my iPod, turned up the volume and settled back to re-read what I had written. But even Pavarotti was no match for Mr Smith. I flung down my review in despair. Surely he would have to come in for a pit stop soon? |
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“Hello Kate,” said a drawling female voice. “I’ve been ringing your doorbell for ages. I might have guessed I would find you out here.” |
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I peered over the top of my sunglasses and saw Annabel. A glamorous ex-model, she had recently moved in next door - the opposite side to Mr Smith. I knew she found it desperately dull in the country and, although Nick, her boyfriend, did his best, she would charge back to London given the slightest opportunity. |
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“Look what Nick's bought me,” she sighed. |
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I steeled myself to appreciate another diamond broach but instead she placed something warm and wriggling into my lap. |
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“A puppy?” I exclaimed. “Oh, he’s lovely!” |
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He was a small black, bundle of fluff, with two dark eyes like chocolate buttons. A little wet nose pushed into the palm of my hand. |
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“What’s his name?” I asked, tickling his tummy as he squirmed in ecstasy. |
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Annabel frowned. “I haven't thought of one yet. I was just going shopping and wondered if you would mind taking it for a walk? Charlie Smith told me how much you liked dogs.” |
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I smiled wryly. “I once owned a spaniel who loved digging up his lawn. He was very good about it. She died of old age last year.” |
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“Thanks Kate,” she beamed. She jumped off the sun-lounger and headed for the gate. “It’s had all its injections, so it’s quite safe to take it out.” |
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“Oh but - ” I began. It was too late. Annabel had gone. I saw her leap into Mr |