Worried And Worse

Gaius, says Katherine. I'm in Launceston with Margaret. Where are you?

On the ferry to Kettering, says Gaius.

I suppose you've forgotten that you arranged to meet us, says Katherine. How long will you be?

There a has been a small mishap with Terence, which may delay us, says Gaius. In fact, we may not even.....

What is the mishap? asks Katherine. Is it knife-related?

Toe-related, says Gaius. Two have broken off. I have not yet been informed of the circumstances.

Margaret and I will motor down to Kettering at once, says Katherine. Margaret has first aid training.

It's merely a question of fish glue, says Gaius. Jinjing is retrieving it now.

Retrieving? Have you left it behind somewhere? asks Katherine. What if he can't find it?

Jinjing is as reliable as Arthur, says Gaius.

Let's hope he is even more reliable, says Katherine.

Indeed, says Gaius. So you need not come.

We will come, says Katherine. Margaret agrees, don't you Margaret.

There follows a muffled exchange while Katherine explains the toe issue.

Gaius makes a glum face at Arthur.

They're coming, says Gaius.

Let them come, says Arthur. They can take Terence home, and we won't have to transport him to Hobart by bicycle.

Gaius brightens. An excellent plan!

What's that you said? asks Katherine.

We shall be waiting for you on the Esperance, says Gaius. I assume you are coming?

Yes, Margaret has agreed. She's just popped off to the chemist, to buy some items for Terence.

No need, says Gaius. I have every faith in Jinjing.

See you in three hours, says Katherine. Bye now.

Tch! says Gaius. Margaret is already interfering.

But we ought to keep on her good side, says Arthur.

You're quite right, says Gaius.

The ferry lands in Kettering. They disembark, with their bicycles.

Jinjing has not yet arrived with the fish glue.

But there's no need to worry. Not yet.

.....

Deep down
In the Jetty Café bin
Jinjing is worried
With the empty chip packets
The froth rimmed coffee cups
The half eaten bread rolls
The curled sausage ends
The biobags of dog poo
And worse
There is nothing resembling
Old fish glue.