"The Breather"
Wednesday morning.
Alex, dressed for work, is in the living room speaking to Julian on the phone.
Peggy is seated next to Alex on the loveseat.
Alex Jr. is seated on Alex Sr.'s lap. He's sucking on his pacifier.
Right now, the curious youngster is playing with the spiral cord that's attached to the telephone. However, as he starts to pull on the cord, it is distracting Alex Sr. – who gently holds his son's hand, and removes it off the cord.
Alex Jr. drones in 'complaint'. He then leans against his father, looking up at him as he speaks to Julian.
Alex plants a kiss on Jr.'s forehead; then caresses his hair. He concentrates on the conversation.
"That bastard made his threat to Peg yesterday while I was at work. Peg told me last night when we turned in. She was very upset… and she's still upset. She didn't want to tell me because she's frightened I'll fight the bastard, and she and the children will lose me…"
Peggy starts to cry upon hearing Alex mention that. Alex puts his arm about her, and draws Peggy closer to him.
Julian's voice is heard over the line as he replies to Alex:
"Tell Peg to stop crying. She can call me anytime, and I'll radio Georgie and Dim, and other Police to drive over to your flatblock. I'll even give you Julia's number, and Julia will definitely get on to me!"
"Thanks, Julie! I know Peg will cry more when I tell her this!"
"By the way, Alex: Since you're going through this 'State Watch' business, I'm giving you a break from 'Police Duty', this week. Georgie, Dim and I and some of the staff discussed this yesterday. You don't need the added pressure, this week. This afternoon when you get off from your job, just go home, and relax yourself. I'll give Pete the night off, as well. Georgie, Dim, and I will nab the bastards the standard way. You'll both get paid, the same. You'll resume 'Police Duty' next week."
Alex is happy at this news.
"Thanks, Julie! That's really horrorshow and dobby of you to remember 'Uncle Alex', this way! You're the best!"
"No, I'm not. Anyway, I've got to run. Tell Peg to stop her crying, and call us if she hears anything! We'll drive by in the area during the course of the day, and let her know we're outside if she needs us! And after work, you just go home to her. I'll call you with Julia's number later when we both get to work! Later, Alex! "
"Thanks, Julie! Later!"
Alex hangs up.
Peggy's sobs deepens once she sees Alex proudly smirking at her. He takes her in his arms.
"All right, my dobby one! Everything will be fine, fine, my darling! No need to worry about that John bastard! 'Uncle' stepped up your protection! You can call Julie anytime, in case that bastard makes his way here. Julie will send the Police over, whether or not it's Georgie and Dim. Julie will also make his way over here. Also, Julie, Georgie and Dim will drive over to our area several times today, and they'll call you to know they're in the area. What's even better: Julie is giving me tonight off from 'Police Duty', because of this 'State Watch' I'm under. So, when I itty from my cantora, Peg… I'll be here with you, my lovely one!"
Peggy cries on Alex.
"I love you, Alex…with all my heart", she utters, between sobs.
"I love you, too, Peg, all the same. That John bastard has nothing over you! Don't forget to thank Julie when he calls, later."
"I will, Alex."
Alex dries her tears with his hand.
Alex Jr. looks on puzzled. He chortles a bit, looking at his Dadda and Mum.
Peggy hugs him. Alex lovingly caresses his hair. Both parents don't exclude him from their tender affections.