Chapter 10

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Mrs. O'Malley stood at the large picture window watching her former pupil, Jeannie McConnell. She stroke Percy vigorously trying to soothe the growling barking poodle. "Hush my dear Percy, Mean Jean is gone. She won't hurt you now," turning quickly she put the grumpy poodle on a chair. "Come we must tell Johnny about his Jeannie."

She took an old shawl off the back of a chair and wrapped it around her shoulders then started to fumbled through a collection of small dog clothes.

"What do you want to wear today, dearie?" she asked as she thoughtfully chose a coat for her pampered pet who was wagging his stubby gray tail. Percy was always excited to go for a ride. New people for him to bark and growl at, new things to smell.

Dressed, Percy and Mrs. O'Malley left the house to catch a waiting taxi. David Miller was the only taxi driver Mrs. O'Malley trusted to chauffeur her and Percy. He was used to his former teacher's condescending attitude, but what the hell he would say, the old bat always paid and always gave him a lot extra. A day driving her and that dog paid better than a week driving drunk puking students.

Percy loved David, he would keep special treats the dog. Treats that were truly special. Doggie biscuits frosted with "special" frosting, frosting the clever driver made to keep the dog calm and quiet. David never added too much of the herbal remedy, just enough to the frosting was perfect for the drives. If the drive was to Oxford market, Percy would receive a small biscuit. If the drive was to High Wycombe, then Percy's special treat was large. Large enough to keep him from barking and biting while in the taxi.

"Here you go Percy, I have a nice large biscuit for you today," David tossed a large special frosted biscuit to the passenger front seat for the small dog. Percy eagerly licked the doctored frosting and as expected he sat quietly in the seat licking and gnawing on the biscuit. "All settled, Mrs. O'Malley?" he questioned as he listened to the old lady fumble with the seat belt buckle. When David herd the click of the buckle he knew that was his cue to put the car into gear and go.

If David drove too fast he would get smacked on the back of the head and scolded. If he drove too slow Mrs. O'Malley would smack him on the head. Either way she would hit on the head and lectured on how to drive. However, today David had that fixed. He installed a lock on the back passenger's seat belt. A lock that would not extend any seat belt strap out once the belt was in place. Excellent for baby car seats and old lady's with annoying habits of abusing the driver.

With the newly installed seat belt locks, David thought the thirty minute drive to High Wycombe would peaceful and pain free however the drive was anything but pain free. Anything but peaceful. Just the opposite.

Mrs. O'Malley was more clever than he thought, when she was unable to lean forward to tap him on the head she decided to use her wooden cane. Much better, she thought, she could prod him in the back of the head or when David needed more discipline she could take the curved hook end and whack him good. No more strain on her old delicate hands.

"Wycombe Hills, Mrs. O'Malley," David announced when they finally arrived at their destination. Not quick enough for him. His head was throbbing.

"I know where we are young man. I have eyes that still work," the old lady scolded as she unbuckled. "That is more than I can say for your taxi. This seat belt is broken. The strap was strangling me the whole ride. Thank goodness I had my cane."

"I'll get that fixed right away, Ma'am," David said as he rubbed his soar head. A small bump was forming on the left side of his head. He decided the locks would have to be removed or he would need a hard hat for the drive to Oxford.

"Come Percy, we must see Johnny right away," Mrs. O'Malley called to her faithful dog.

"I'll see you in two hours, Ma'am?" David questioned as Mrs. O'Malley placed Percy in her over size handbag.

"Two hours should be sufficient. I will have the nurse call you when I'm ready," She called over her shoulder. "Do not make me wait, David Miller!"

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Aisling Gillpatrick sat at the front reception desk twirling her thick curly hair when she notice a familiar taxi drive up to the entrance door. "David," she uttered softly with a hint of mischief in her voice. "My day if finally turning brighter."

"Why's that?" Questioned Nurse Swan. "Oh, I see. I guess you will want me to watch the front for you, Aisling?"

Aisling leaped with excitement and she quickly whirled the chair around to face the senior nurse. "Would you, please?" She begged, her thick Irish accent slipped through.

"Of course," she smiled to the young nurse. "Keep your time with David "safe"! We don't want any little Irish brats popping out unexpectedly, do we?" she teased.

"Oh joy, Mrs. O'Malley and Percy," Sarah noticed David's passenger. "I do hope Percy had some of David's special biscuits."

"David made some for us just in case," Aisling reached for the plastic container with Percy written on the sides.

"Let's hope the night orderlies didn't decide to snoop for snacks," Sarah said hoping for a full box of Percy Biscuits. Aisling opened the box to happily see a full box.

Nurse Sarah Swan unlocked the door to let Mrs. O'Malley and Percy inside. "Good morning David," she called to the driver. "Good morning Mrs. O'Malley. Good morning Percy."

"Oh good morning, Nurse Swan," Mrs. O'Malley said as she entered the sanatorium, Wycombe Hills.

"What brings you here today, Mrs. O'Malley," questioned the nurse.

"Never you mind why I am here," the old lady huffed and she walked toward the inner security door. "Now open this door, I want to see my Johnny." She prodded the door with her cane.

Nurse Gillpatrick pressed the security lock for the door, allowing Mrs. O'Malley to proceed down the hall. "Shouldn't someone escort her," Aisling asked Sarah.

"No, she's been to the sanatorium enough to know her way. Besides the residents know to avoid Percy and the Bat." She teased.

The nurses heard a whistle and Sarah quickly hurried Aisling out the door to be with her taxi driving boyfriend. "Oh to be young again," Sarah smiled at the young couple.

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