May 14, 1982: Pompous Arse Gone Mad
Arnold leaned against the dressing room’s bureau, his back to the large, heavily lit mirror. Just like a woman, he thought. Tell you five minutes and takes fifty. He crossed his arms and waited.
It’s not as if the conversation never happened, as she said, he thought to himself. Although I can pretend that it did not occur, at least for a time. Long enough for her to explain what’s happened, what is preventing her from expressing what she feels. Long enough for that.
Rhys, duffle bag in hand, knocked on the slightly opened door of Elaine’s dressing room. “Elaine?” he asked as he pushed it open. “Are you ready to go?” He stopped when he saw Arnold. “Oh. Hey, Arnold,” he said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were in here.”
Arnold shrugged. “It’s not as if I’m indecent, Rhys. No more than usual, in any case.” He straightened and let his arms fall to his side. “Elaine will be back. Momentarily.”
“Well, yes,” he said. “But if you’ll be with her then I don’t suppose she’ll be needing me.”
Arnold raised his eyebrows. “I’m sure your friendship is quite important to her.”
Rhys laughed. “Well, I do hope so,” he said. “But what I mean is she won’t be needing me to see her to her car since you’ll be with her. She’ll have your protection this evening.”
“My protection?” Arnold asked while his brow furrowed. “Why does she need someone to see her to her car?”
“That therapist she used to see,” Rhys said. “He’s begun harassing her even here.”
“What?” Arnold asked sharply.
“I know,” Rhys agreed. “We thought the entire thing had stopped, too. But it seems he’s started up again.”
Arnold spoke quickly. “Again? He was harassing her before?”
“A few months back,” Rhys said. “Writing her; phoning her; trying to convince her to not make the statements against him. She thought he’d leave her alone once the hearing ended and he lost his license. And he did for a time.” Rhys snorted. “That didn’t last, though.”
“How long has he been trouble now? Is he doing the same things? Or has he physically confronted her?” It’s horrible enough that he was a pompous arse, but now he’s gone mad, Arnold thought.
“It’s been going on for quite a few weeks, I imagine,” Rhys answered. “He’s shown up here lately, which is why I’ve been walking with her at night.” Rhys shifted the strap of the duffle bag to his shoulder. “I do worry for her, you know. The man is unstable. He treated her horribly when they were together; and now that he’s lost everything, he’s decided he wants her back.”
Arnold nodded slowly. “Yes. He’s quite unstable. I’ll keep my eyes wide open.” He paused and then added, “Thank you for protecting her. I am as appreciative as she is.”
Rhys nodded. “She’s very special, you know.” He paused for a moment, then smiled at Arnold. “Right. I’ll be off, then. See she stays safe.”
“I know she is; and I will,” Arnold replied, wondering why Elaine had not told him.
“Goodnight, then.” He raised a hand to Arnold as he loosely pulled closed the door.
Several minutes later, the other door in the dressing room opened and Elaine appeared. “I can not get this thing off!” she said, desperately wrestling with her costume as she crossed the room. “The zipper was stuck. I finally got it free-” She stopped at the full length mirror, still struggling and trying to see behind her. “And it’s stuck again,” she said, pulling at it.
He watched her movements and listened closely to her voice. He wanted very much to ask her at once about Brown. She had requested he come tonight; perhaps she would mention it later-at dinner. Somehow he doubted it. Wouldn’t he be forced to question her about it at that time? “If you’ll stop flailing, I can unzip you, but I’d rather not suffer a blackened eye.”
She stopped what she was doing and looked up at him. Then she started to laugh. “It’s just so infuriating.” She turned her back to him, moving her hair to the side. “I doubt you’ll be able to get it either. I’m beginning to think I shall have to be cut out of it.”
“You really must have more faith in me,” he said, as he approached her. He studied her back, the soft skin and her curves filling his vision…. He pushed those thoughts aside as he reached into his jacket pocket with one hand and picked up the zipper’s pull tab with the other. He mouthed the word very quietly and released the zipper as it began to edge down the teeth to the bottom.
“You did it,” she said, amazed, as she reached behind her and touched the zipper. “How did you do that? I’ve been struggling with it for nearly ten minutes.”
“Magic,” he answered, smiling.
She turned to him. “Magic,” she said, smiling back. “It must have been. Thank you.”
She went back to the smaller room, saying, “Just give me two seconds and I’ll be ready.”
She left the door slightly open. “Are you hungry?”
“Quite,” he replied, his lips quirking. “I imagine you’re famished after being onstage, under all of those lights, giving so much of yourself to help create someone else. Must be quite a feat.”
“And I can never eat very much before a show. So yes-” She pulled her hair out of the neck of her sweater as she came back into the room. “I’m absolutely ravenous.” She picked up her jacket and bag and said, “Is there any place in particular you’d prefer?”
“We haven’t seen Tony in a while,” Arnold answered.
Before Elaine could respond, there was a knock on the door and it was pushed open.
“Hello, hello. I’ve brought back your little girl,” Sam said as she entered. Abigail trotted beside her on a lead.
“Thank you, Sam. Was she a good girl?” Arnold asked, taking control of the lead and then bending down to pat Abigail between her ears.
“Must you even ask?” Sam said, smiling. “She’s always a good girl. And all of wardrobe adores her. The new girl was surprised by her bark, though, I must say. We had to explain to her that it’s just the way she sounds.”
“Yes. A minor aberration,” Arnold said, straightening. “It lends her-” He paused, thinking for the appropriate word. “-a certain character.”
He continued, “Thank you for looking after her, as always.”
“My pleasure, as always,” she told him, then patted the head of the lamb-who currently was a dog. “Goodbye, Abigail. Come visit us again very soon.”
“Looks like we’re all ready then,” Arnold said once Sam had left the dressing room. He offered Elaine his free arm. She took it with a smile and they left the dressing room.
Before long Tony was greeting them at the entrance of the restaurant. “Good evening, Miss Chamberlain. Mr. Peasgood. Would you like your usual room?”
“I believe we would,” Arnold replied, turning his head towards Elaine. Abigail looked up at Tony, wagging her tail.
“Very good. After you,” he said, stepping back for them. As they passed him, Abigail followed but continued to watch Tony. He gave her a small, lopsided grin as he reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a crispy leaf of lettuce. He slipped it to “the dog” and she snatched it, chewing happily as she trotted behind Elaine and Arnold.
Arnold sat after Elaine, and Abigail settled into her familiar spot in the room.
“I’ll bring the menus in one moment. And shall I bring the wine list?” he asked Arnold, an eyebrow slightly raised.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Arnold answered, his eyes flickering to Tony. “Perhaps I’ll surprise you one day. What would you do then?”
“I would bring you the wine list,” he said simply and exited.
“That wouldn’t be any bloody fun,” Arnold mumbled after him. He glanced at Elaine. He had decided. “Choose something for me tonight, please.”
“What? I’ve no idea what you’d like,” she said, with a laugh. “I believe you’ve ordered something different every time.”
“But you know me quite well, don’t you?” he countered, giving her a slight smile. “And I would trust you to choose capably, since I know you rather well. Not to mention that I implicitly trust you.
“Perhaps I feel differently than you do,” he added.
She gave him a puzzled look and said, “What do you-” but Tony entered with a cart at that moment. He handed each of them a menu, then moved the dish of bread and butter from the cart to the table.
“I took the liberty of simply bringing you the usual bottle,” he said. “I hope that’s acceptable.”
Elaine cleared her throat and said, “Yes. Yes, that’s fine. Thank you.”
They watched as he poured each of them a glass, then set the bottle in a silver bucket of ice, which he placed on the table. He turned and left the room.
“Do you trust me, Elaine?” Arnold asked in a quiet voice.
“Arnold,” Elaine said, concerned. “Of course I trust you. I trust you completely. Why would you even ask me such a thing?”
“Why haven’t you told me, then?” he asked, his voice still quiet.
“Told you what?” she asked. “What are you talking about?”
He rubbed his finger against his lips. “About Dr. Brown.”
Elaine was still for a moment, then sat back. “How did you find out?”
“It was an accident. Rhys thought I already knew. Said he needn’t wait for you tonight, as you had an escort.” Arnold studied her and then leaned forward. “Why didn’t you tell me? Did you intend to ever let me know you were in danger? Do you realize how I might have felt had anything happened to you?”
“I didn’t want to worry you,” she explained. “You’ve been through so much lately. I didn’t want to trouble you with this.” She pulled her glass of wine closer. “Besides, it’s nothing really.”
“That’s not what I’ve been told. Elaine,” he said, reaching for her hand, “I know he’s been harassing you. Waiting for you after shows. Calling you. Leaving notes.”
She shook her head. “He’ll stop,” she said, looking up at Arnold. “He did the same when the hearing was approaching. He’ll stop.”
“There was a reason he stopped before. Why would he stop now, Elaine? He’s mad. He’s gone completely mad,” Arnold replied. His other hand rested on her cheek. “Elaine, the man is a threat. I think you’ve kept me out long enough. Let me help you, but please don’t shut me out.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, tilting her face towards his hand. “Please understand. I wasn’t shutting you out. I just didn’t want to give you more concerns.
“Arnold. You’ve had enough drama, enough worry in your life. Your father; your baby; your ex-love, her husband. The threats. For God’s sake, you were nearly murdered two days ago. You do not need any more issues.”
She looked down and said softly. “Which is why I acted as I did the last time we were together. I pulled away from you-fled, really-because I did not want to add to your concerns.”
“I understand, but you should allow me to decide what I can handle. You are not a burden to me, Elaine,” Arnold replied.
She looked up at him again. “Thank you. But it will pass,” she assured him. “I’m certain it will. He’s only feeling desperate, alone, because he’s lost everything. His career, his family. Everything.”
“And men who have nothing else to lose are the most dangerous, Elaine,” he said, lowering his hand from her cheek and taking her hand instead. He then squeezed it while studying her eyes. “Let me decide when I’ve had enough. Please.”
She looked down. “Yes. I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft.
“Elaine,” he said, “I wouldn’t press on with this if you weren’t so important to me. But you are.”
Tony entered the room at that moment, pausing for a moment at the scene before him. “Shall I come back?” he asked.
Arnold still held her hand tightly. “Another moment,” he answered without turning towards Tony.
Tony glanced at Elaine with concern, but nodded and left the room.
“Thank you, Arnold,” she said once the door had shut. “But please don’t worry. Everything will be fine. There’s nothing anyone can do anyway.”
“There is. He has no right to harass you.” And I’ll ensure that he understands that. “You’re surrounded by people who care about you. Don’t forget that. You can find strength through us.”
“You sound like Rhys,” she said, laughing and gently removing her hands from his. She picked up her glass of wine and looked down into it. “I’ll be fine. Really. He won’t hurt me.”
“We’ll make sure he doesn’t,” Arnold said and then leaned back. “You were lovely tonight, you know. I’m always amazed when you are on stage. It is as if I am looking at someone totally different.”
“Thank you,” she said, then hesitated. “Arnold…” she began.
“Yes?”
She put down her glass of wine again, troubled. “I know you don’t like him. Max,” she said. “And he can be really horrible. But please don’t blame him for what he’s doing right now. It isn’t all his fault.”
“Oh, it’s not? Has some sort of zombie eaten his brain? Perhaps there is a hamster in his head spinning a wheel and making him do these things?” Arnold asked, sitting straight up again. “He’s like anyone else, Elaine. He has to take responsibility for his actions, and you shouldn’t make excuses for him.”
“I know. You’re right. And I’m not making excuses for him. It’s only…” She shook her head. “You don’t understand.”
“Apparently not. Why don’t you explain?” he asked, studying her expression.
She looked down. “Arnold, he’s-”
At that moment, there was a knock on the door. “Is it appropriate for me to enter now?” Tony’s voice from outside.
“Another moment. Make it longer this time,” Arnold said, turning his head towards the door. “He’s what?” he asked, his gaze returning to Elaine.
“Well, as I’ve said,” she continued, “he’s lost everything. He isn’t allowed to practice any longer. His reputation is ruined. As you know, his wife left him once she’d learned of his involvement with me. She now has the children, the homes, the cars, the bank accounts. Even his friends have abandoned him. He’s all alone.” She shook her head again, looking down at her hands. “Perhaps he’s right. If I had said nothing-had simply left him… Maybe I should never have said anything.”
“And he should have the right to hurt others, to sabotage people who come to him, who trust him to provide therapy? Is that what you’re saying?” Arnold asked. He shook his head. “No. We make choices. He was given a second chance. He could have done the right thing. He chose his path.”
“I know,” she said, looking up at him. “That’s what Dr. Spencer tries to tell me. But Arnold, he didn’t walk that path alone. I was with him. Yet I’m perfectly fine, continuing with my success, and his entire life is ruined.”
“Elaine, you came to him for help; you realized you needed help. He took advantage of you! Why should you pay for that? You were vulnerable, and he knew that. He manipulated you,” Arnold told her. “He was in the position of power, not you.”
“Still…” she said. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. “Well, that isn’t how he sees it.”
“How he sees it isn’t important, except in understanding the level of threat he presents.” He paused and then added, “How do you see it?”
She looked into Arnold’s eyes for a moment, then said, “You think I’m a fool, don’t you?”
He shook his head. “No. I don’t think you’re a fool. I’m just concerned. It’s always easier to see things on the outside.” He reached for her hand again. “Elaine, you mustn’t try to deal with this alone. He knows exactly where you’re vulnerable.”
She smiled at him. “How can you be so wonderful?” she asked him. “Sometimes I wonder-”
There was another knock. “Has this been a long enough moment, I wonder?” Tony’s voice asked through the door. “Or shall I have the kitchen staff phone their spouses to inform them they shall be late?”
“Not long enough,” Arnold replied, “but we’re not so cruel as to torment the staff. Unless they’d rather not return home to their spouses?” Arnold asked, still looking at Elaine.
Elaine started to laugh. “Tony!” she called. “I think perhaps we should order,” she told Arnold. Once more she called to the door, “You can come in, Tony.”
Arnold nodded, smiling. “I still think you should choose something for me tonight, or I shall close my eyes and point at the menu.”
Tony entered, his eyes flickering between the two of them, but there was a clear shadow of worry on his face.
“Would you like me to bring you some hot tea?” he asked Elaine.
“No,” she said. “I don’t believe I need any right now.” Tony looked at her a moment longer. “Really,” she added very clearly, smiling.
“As a matter of fact,” she said, handing him her menu, “Arnold and I would both like to be surprised tonight. Bring us whatever you think we would like. We place ourselves completely in your hands.”
Tony took her menu, nodding, then turned to Arnold. “Shall I take your menu, as well, then?”
Arnold looked at Elaine and smiled. He held his menu out for Tony. “Yes. I trust her completely, so I’ll have to trust her judgment.”
Tony accepted the menu. “Yes,” he said, eyeing Arnold. “It seems I’m forced to do the same.” He gave Arnold a quick nod, then turned and left the room.
“See? Even he looks out for you. He still thinks I’m some sort of monster,” Arnold said, checking on Abigail. She looked up at him and bleated.
“No, he doesn’t. That’s just Tony,” she said, smiling. “And it seems he and Rhys had a long talk last week, so he’s more concerned than ever. Which is why he resorted to the ‘hot tea’ question.” She took a sip of her wine.
“I’m glad you have him, Elaine,” Arnold said, raising his eyebrow slightly, “even if he can be difficult.” He took a sip of his own wine and then added, “‘Hot tea.’ Is that some sort of code?”
She laughed and leaned back. “Yes. It is, actually,” she said. “Tony insists on asking me if I would like hot tea when he’s concerned for me. If I say no, he knows everything is fine. If I say yes, he will go away, then come back immediately with a message that someone is telephoning me.” She leaned forward again, her voice conspiratorial. “I leave to accept this ‘telephone call.’ Then several minutes later, he returns to the person I was with to tell them I’ve been called away on an emergency.”
She shook her head, laughing slightly. “We’ve only used it twice-both times with Max.” She paused, then looked up at Arnold. “You see? You now know our secret. We will never be able to use it on you. Irrefutable proof I trust you.” She smiled at him.
“If I were a paranoid man, I might think you’ve thrown me a red herring,” Arnold said, his eyes sparkling. “But no. I do believe it shows exactly what you said. I’m glad you trust me, Elaine. It makes me very happy.”
She reached across the table and took his hand. “You make me very happy, Arnold. I’ve never met anyone like you. Somehow you make me forget all of my worries, all of my concerns.” She stopped and looked closely at him, but her eyes were shining. “I wonder, is that magic as well?” she asked.
He smiled at her. “I’ve not used a single magical charm, but perhaps it is magic in some way. As you know, I feel exactly the same, Elaine.”
“Yes,” she said. “ I wonder sometimes-”
But the door opened at that very moment, and Tony bustled in, carrying an extremely large tray on his shoulder. It held multiple small dishes of delectable appetizers, fragrant and steaming. He appeared to not give the two in the room as much as a glance, but immediately began placing the dishes on the table before them.
Elaine released Arnold’s hand and sat back, removing her napkin from the table and placing it in her lap. “Thank you, Tony,” she told him, smiling. “These look absolutely wonderful.”
“Yes, thank you, Tony,” Arnold said, his lips midway between a smirk and a smile. “Absolutely wonderful.” He reached for the bowl of lettuce and placed it in front of Abigail.
“I thought perhaps she might like her usual bowl of milk-water, as well,” Tony said, beginning to pass the silver bowl of whitely clouded water to Arnold. But Abigail was already at his feet, bleating her bark. Tony’s lips twitched slightly.
“Ah, yes,” he told her as she bumped against his leg. “Here you go, Abigail.” He placed the bowl on the floor near his feet and she immediately began lapping at it.
He stood and cleared his throat. “I will be back soon with the main courses. Is there anything else you desire in the meantime?” he asked.
“A moment,” Arnold answered, his lips twitching into a full smirk.
“I’m not certain,” Tony replied, his face very serious, “but I believe we might have one or two in the kitchen. I will check on that for you.” He gave Arnold a quick nod, then disappeared, the door closing with a sharp click behind him.
Elaine looked at Arnold, then laughed.
Arnold shook his head and then looked at Elaine. “What were you saying before? What do you wonder?”
“Oh,” she said, still smiling. “Nothing. Never mind.” She was pulling a dish closer to herself, but then suddenly stopped. She pushed it towards Arnold instead, and asked, “Actually, have you any idea what this might possibly be? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything even remotely resembling this in reality. Have you?”
“No idea,” he said, examining the food in the dish. “Shall I give it a try?”
“Only if you’re feeling particularly daring,” she told him.
“I’ll be brave,” he told her, picking up whatever the hell it was with his fork. He brought it close to his eyes, squinting, and then shrugged and popped it into his mouth. He chewed, smiling, and then grasped at his throat. “He’s murdered me,” he gasped as he flailed. His placed his head on the table top.
Abigail looked up at him and then continued eating her lettuce.
“Stop it. That is not funny,” Elaine said through her laughter. “That is not funny at all.”
He opened his eyes, keeping his head on the table. “Why are you laughing then?”
“I do apologize,” Tony said, suddenly opening the door, “but-” He stopped at the sight of Arnold with his head on the table. “Is everything all right, Mr. Peasgood?” he asked.
“I believe I’ve been revived by a woman’s laughter, yes,” Arnold said, straightening once more. “What a powerful thing that can be.”
Elaine and Arnold were smiling at each other.
“Yes.” There was a beat. “Are you certain,” Tony said, “I can’t get you a bit of hot tea, Miss Chamberlain?”
“No,” she said, her eyes never leaving Arnold’s. “I can assure you, Tony, that I will not be needing any hot tea at all tonight.”
By oblivator and ovations