Friday, 21st May 1999

"Drug rape accused flees hospital bed"

Luke's escape has made the front page of the Liverpool Echo. Front page? Really? It must have been a quiet day for news, then! Still, it meant that Niamh could pick up the paper, look quizzically at the headline and mouth the words to herself. So at least we know that her reading's coming on! Perhaps she'd have preferred not to read that particular story - it's not exactly helped to cheer her up.

Ron and Anthea returned from their walking holiday in the Lakes and who was the first person that they bumped into? Jacqui Dixon. Can you believe it? You really need that on your return from holiday, don't you? Needless to say, Jacqui took the opportunity to fill them in on the happenings whilst they were away; in particular the escape of Luke Mussie. Ron (obviously) denigrated Luke's character as is his want ("he wants shooting on sight that scumbag"), but got a shock when he realised that Ryan had been in earshot and got back a diatribe as good as the one which he, himself had unleashed. *I* don't know, you'd think that Ryan would be used to such verbal attacks on his family by now, wouldn't you?

The other thing that Jacqui wanted to talk about was her car. It seems that she's just been out and got herself a new Ford Puma. Unfortunately, neither Ron nor Anthea asked the question which *we* wanted to hear, namely, with *what* did she buy it? Fresh air? For someone struggling to get a Club beset with delays, up and running, she certainly knows her priorities. It's one up on Lindsey, though.

Freeing themselves from the gossiping Jacqui, Ron and Anthea headed towards the flat where Anthea found a letter telling her that her hospital appointment has come through and will be in two week's time.

This was despite us having being told that they'd stopped off at Anthea's to collect some post, but this letter was addressed to 5a Brookside Parade. Now, I might be missing something here, but since when has Anthea been using Ron's address for personal correspondence? Has she moved in? When? She's supposed to still have her own place where she lives with her own Jacqui-look-alike, Megan, isn't she? (This letter, incidentally, was addressed 'Dear Ms Brindley' and signed 'Yours faithfully'. Tut! But that's another story.)

Anyway, Ron had decided that two whole weeks was *way* too long to wait and again told Anthea that she ought to go private. Anth wasn't having any of it. She can be a very stubborn person. At least Ron wasn't silly enough to arrange anything already, perhaps for Tuesday 25th, was he? Ron? Ron?

Leaving the house, Ryan's spotted by Jason and the two have a set-to in the middle of the Close which had to be broken up by Sinbad. You spoil-sport, Sin! *We* might be in luck though, judging by the remarks being snarled as they were dragged apart:

Ryan: "Later."

Jason: "You reckon, eh?"

[ Me <thinking>: "Yes, please - fingers crossed!" ]

Following the news of Luke's escape, Jason and Katrina's engagement party was cancelled. To console themselves, they went out and bought the engagement ring.

Katrina also got some good news from Susannah's direction, for Suse deigned to apologise for the row over Jessie babysitting. They cleared the air and agreed on Katrina's hours. Trine will get two evenings off per week plus every other weekend.

Both Rachel and Katie tried suggesting to Jacqui that she could do worse than try her luck with Nathan (and I don't mean professionally!). However, Jacqui wasn't interested: "He's *definitely* not my type", she told Rachel.

Later, the stroppy solicitor himself was found in Bar Brookie, celebrating. . . . . his divorce! He kept that one quiet! Separating himself from his friends, he set about chatting up Jacqui and invited her out. Not being 'his type', she felt obliged to decline, but did suggest that they decamp to her flat instead. Presumably she says that to everyone who's not her type. Still, it's a better idea than slipping into the office where getting it together there would be likely to cause the creasing of paperwork!

Ryan, meanwhile received a call on his mobile phone. Looking decidedly shifty, he told Niamh that it was from an old friend in Carlisle who'd had an accident and that he needs to go and "visit for a couple of days". Yeah, right.

Sinbad's been getting himself together and has cheered up further since knowing that Rachel will be looking after Little Ruthie whilst Mandy is on her honeymoon. He finally seems to be getting used to the idea of Mandy and Brian's marriage and having, apparently not spoken to his ex since Christmas, took it upon himself to phone her and make amends. He also wants to take Ruthie off to the seaside for a few days whilst she's staying with Rachel. . .

Niamh was locking up for the night, when she saw the security light at the back of the house come on. Rather than peering out of the window, or calling Joey, she opened the back door - wide. Either very bravely or very confidently, she calls out: "Luke?". Pause. Then, rather predictably, he emerges from the darkness, looking battered and bruised and with a shaven head. Ooh-er, I wouldn't go back to that barber next time, Luke!

Will he be making the papers again, I wonder?