Chapter 47
In front of the gate that leads to the Garden of Eternal Rest, there are now twenty chairs. Mainly sun loungers, but also one dining chair because of Miriam’s back.
As a barricade it is unorthodox, but effective.
Trees crowd in on either side of the gate, so the only way up to the Garden of Eternal Rest is now through a phalanx of pensioners, some of whom are taking the opportunity to stretch out in the morning sun and have a well-earned nap.
The diggers are not getting past for a while.
Ian Ventham is back in his car, watching the scene. Karen Playfair has stepped outside and is merrily vaping away on an apple and cinnamon e-cigarette.
Ian sees picnic tables, ice coolers, and parasols.
Tea is being fetched and carried on padded trays.
Photographs of grandchildren are being swapped.
The Garden of Eternal Rest is a sideshow; for most of the residents this is just a street party in the midsummer sun.
No need for Ian to get involved. They will fold like their loungers the moment the police arrive, and they’ll wander off to do whatever they do.
Ian is sure this little display will blow over, but he hopes the police show up soon. With the amount of tax he hypothetically pays, it’s really not too much to ask.