‘Well, that was an afternoon and a half,’ exclaimed Guy, locking up the yard and turning towards Nell.
‘Oh no! You’re all teary – come here,’ he said.
‘I can’t stop feeling emotional. I know Jacob’s safe but I’ve never felt panic like that in my life. Goodness knows how Bea must have felt. I was so afraid.’ Nell’s voice faltered.
Guy clutched at her elbows and could feel her shaking. He moved closer and grasped her hand, ‘It’s the shock. Let’s get you back to the Nollie.’
‘I’m thinking we should row across and see Lloyd.’ Nell gazed towards the narrowboat on the other side of the marina, ‘I felt a bit rude cutting him short like that before, especially when he came to thank us.’
‘I know what you mean, but he’ll understand … does that mean you want me getting in that boat again?’ Guy looked towards the boat bobbing about in the water.
Nell smiled towards him, ‘Let’s go and see him.’
Guy sighed, ‘The things I do for you, Andrews!’
‘I’ll make a sailor out of you yet! Shall we take Sam?’
‘Best had, he’s the real hero here. Come on then … but let me borrow the life jacket again.’
‘I best check with Fred that’s it’s okay to borrow his boat first. Meet you back here in five.’
As the little rowing boat set sail towards the other side of the marina Nell looked at Guy with amusement, ‘See, it’s not that bad. Your knuckles aren’t as white as last time.’
‘You’re not funny,’ he grinned, watching the oars glide gently through the water. In no time at all the little rowing boat bumped against the narrowboat and Nell tied up the rope on to the wrought-iron ring, to stop them from floating away.
Sam bounded out of the boat on to the deck, leaving Nell steadying Guy as his nerves sprang back into action by the rocking motion.
So much for being the macho man, Guy thought to himself.
‘See, you’re in one piece,’ smiled Nell.
‘Just about – like I said before, the things I do for you.’
Nell rapped on the door and within seconds Lloyd opened the door.
‘Sorry,’ apologised Nell, ‘I hope we aren’t disturbing you?’
‘No, not at all, come in … come in,’ he said in a jolly manner, ‘You are the first visitors to the boat, except for the paramedics, that is. Let me get you both a drink and some water for the dog.’
‘This is Sam, the real hero of the hour.’
Lloyd turned round and patted Sam on the head, ‘I can’t thank you all enough. Have a seat, cup of tea?’
‘Only if you have time,’ said Guy.
‘I have all the time in the world.’
Lloyd placed the kettle on the gas and took the mugs out of the cupboard.
‘We’ve not seen you around these parts before,’ said Nell, distracted by all the film posters pinned to the wall of the boat.
‘I’m here on business, just for a few weeks.’
‘It’s a very interesting boat you have here,’ said Guy, intrigued.
‘Ah-ha, the posters. I’m a huge fan of the film industry.’
‘And the photographs,’ Guy pointed towards the wall.
‘My wife, she was an actress, starred in the West End.’
‘How fabulous,’ said Nell, ‘Is that her there?’
Lloyd flicked a glance towards the photo that Nell was pointing at.
‘Yes it is.’
‘She’s beautiful.’
‘Does she still perform?’ asked Guy.
‘Unfortunately not. Annie passed away nearly thirty years ago but I couldn’t bear to part with any of her possessions.’ Lloyd slid two mugs of tea towards Nell and Guy before placing a bowl of water next to Sam, who’d flopped down under the table.
‘Have you always lived on this boat? It’s got a very theatrical name.’
‘No, I’ve lived abroad for a while, but always kept this little thing ticking over. A friend of mine has been looking after it, but when I knew I was coming back home, me and my boat had to be reunited, and then I go collapsing, worrying the locals.’ Lloyd rolled his eyes, ‘I’m so sorry about that, I didn’t mean to frighten you.’
‘We’re just glad you are alright.’
‘I am indeed,’ he said, loosening his cravat from around his neck. ‘So where are you from, lad?’ he directed his question at Guy, ‘You don’t sound very local to me.’
‘Ireland, I’m here for a short visit. It’s my brother Ed who owns the boatyard, but Nell here, she’s a proper local!’
‘Yes Little Rock Marina, born and bred,’ she smiled towards Lloyd. I work in the deli – my friend Bea owns it. And I live on the Nollie, jetty number ten.’
‘Interesting name for a boat.’
‘Nell and Ollie put together. My husband Ollie passed away.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that, lass.’
Nell smiled towards him, ‘Thank you.’
‘I know you said you were here on business, but were you originally from around these parts?’ asked Guy,
‘I was,’ smiled Lloyd, ‘Many moons ago.’
‘Nell here is thinking of bidding on the Old Picture House.’
‘The one in the marina.’ Lloyd sat up with interest.
‘That’s the one,’ answered Nell, sipping her drink.
‘Not to bulldoze, surely,’ Lloyd narrowed his eyes at her.
‘Of course not! It holds some great memories for me and I want to restore it in my husband’s memory – maybe make it a place for the community to share.’
‘Well, I wish you all the luck in the world. That sounds like a wonderful idea, a great community project, something all generations can enjoy.’
‘That’s my thoughts exactly.’
‘And if you ever need any contacts in the film industry I still have a few I could put you in touch with. They could help with the décor of the place, it’s the least I can do.’
‘That would be brilliant, thank you. Fingers crossed I win first.’
‘Fingers crossed,’ Lloyd crossed his fingers and smiled towards Nell.
‘I could sit and talk for hours, but we mustn’t keep you,’ said Nell, not wanting to outstay her welcome.
Lloyd got up and shook both of their hands, ‘It was great to meet you both and thanks again for calling the emergency services.’
‘I’d say anytime, but let’s hope it doesn’t happen again,’ grinned Guy.
Lloyd cupped his hands around Guy’s and shook his hand heartily.
As they climbed back on to the boat, Lloyd waved them off.
‘What a character,’ exclaimed Guy, saluting Lloyd as he sat down on the slats inside the boat.
‘And what a lovely offer of help for the Old Picture House – if I win of course.’
Within a few minutes they bumped lightly into the jetty on the other side of the marina. Nell climbed out and steadied the boat for Guy.
‘Where have you two been?’
Nell spun round to see Gilly poised on her bike staring at them.
‘We’ve been to visit Lloyd – you know, the man who Guy found collapsed.’
At the mere mention of his name, Gilly stiffened.
‘I thought I said it was best not to disturb him.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with introducing ourselves and making sure he’s okay.’
‘You can’t go bothering folk.’
‘Mum, there’s nothing to worry about, he was glad of the company. His wife used to be an actress and the boat is packed with all photographs of her way back in the day, not to mention the film posters. He’s offered his help if I win the Old Picture House. He still has contacts in the industry.’
‘You’re not still toying with that idea, are you?’
Nell bit her lip, frustration battling through her body, ‘What’s up with you, Mum?’ she asked defensively, still not understanding why her mum was so dead against the idea.
‘Nothing,’ she mumbled, putting her foot on the pedal of her bike, ‘I must get back to the kittens.’
Nell and Guy watched Gilly ride off up the wharf.
‘It’s not just my imagination, is it? She’s definitely against this auction,’ Nell turned towards Guy.
‘Maybe she’s just worried you are biting off more than you can chew.’ He put his hand in the small of her back and guided her through the railings.
‘I’m not convinced,’ she answered, watching Gilly disappear out of sight. ‘I’m not convinced at all.’