In The Picture

It was against his better judgment but Michael left Toni with Travis and made his way back through The Glen. He thought of Winnie and that he’d better put her in the picture since she worked for Richie, it might help him out a bit if she knew the score. He checked his watch, surprised the morning was gone and went inside Millie’s and called her from the desk phone.

“Michael, good morn…I should say good afternoon.”

“Yes it isn’t it; I wonder if you might have a moment as its lunchtime perhaps we might find a secluded table, I have something to tell you.”

“Yes of course, what time should I meet you?”

“Oh, sorry…I’m downstairs.”

“I shall be right down.” Winnie Peeg fussed with her hair a moment and went downstairs to meet Michael. He had found a table off by its self and they sat down.

Nell brought their menus and left for their drinks.

“Now Michael you must tell me what’s afoot, you sounded serious?”

“It is serious I’m afraid.” Michael recounted the last 24 hours, “and so I left her there in his care Winnie.”

“I am shocked Michael…oh my heart goes out to both of them. Is there anything I can do?”

“I don’t know of anything right now Winnie I thought you should know since you are close to Richie. The thing is Winnie; I’m quite convinced Travis is in love with Toni, I’m not so sure of her feelings for him. She may be infatuated with him, which is not quite the same thing; she’s looking to him for understanding and support. And do you know I find him a most clever fellow, most clever.”

“Hmm, clever do you not think his concern for her is genuine?”

“I’ve no doubt it is, but he will make the most of every opportunity that arises like the necessity for her staying at his guest house. It makes perfect logical sense and yet I think…well he is a man who gets what he wants and in this instance all he had to do was wait for it.”

“Mr. Roberts does not know where she is? This is most distressing; of course I shan’t say a word. I do feel for Mr. Roberts, I know they’ve had their problems and it always tells on him, I can see it the moment he walks in the office. Oh dear I suppose I shall hear from Sarah McGee it will be interesting to hear how she sees this.”

“I met them both, she and Bill I would assume by prior arrangement they left shortly thereafter, before Toni arrived.”

Their meal arrived, “Well, Michael you’ve had quite a morning, let’s enjoy this nice lunch and if you wouldn’t mind, a quick trip out to my cottage, it’s coming along nicely,” she smiled.