The Golden Spiders*

The flat phone rings at about 9.30pm last night, just as I’m watching Andy Murray versus Bernard Tomic, recorded earlier in the day.  I already know that Andy won, and that we’re now in the Davis Cup final, but I missed the match.

“Hello,” I say.

“Hello my lovely,” Seb says.  “I’ve just arrived.”

“So that’s what, a six and a half hour drive?” I say.   He set off around 3pm.

“About that,” Seb says.  “I drove pretty fast as well.”

“Well, well done for getting there,” I say, sipping my glass of Rioja.  “What’s happening tomorrow?”  It will be the first day of his university course.

“Tomorrow is Introduction to Invertebrates,” Seb says.  “And I’ve got to find a lab coat and some goggles and meet my personal tutor and things that I should have done last week like that and…”

“Are you going to be dissecting the invertebrates then?” I say.

“Shouldn’t think so, it’s just that I’m meant to have a lab coat already.  I’m sure it will be fine.  I’m looking forward to it,” he says.

“Good,” I say.  I’m a bit envious.  Wish I was just about to start an Ecology degree.  “Let me know how it goes tomorrow.  Goodnight darling – you must be exhausted.”

“I am a bit,” Seb says.  “Speak to you tomorrow my lovely.”

 

“Have a good day xxx,”  Seb’s message comes through at 9.25am this morning.  He hasn’t forgotten me!

“You too my darling.  Enjoy the invertebrates,” I say.

 

Am at my Office.  Had better get on with my Important Work.

Have attached a photo of the fluffy monster when he was a baby to cheer us up.

Happy Monday everyone!

 

*1953.  By Rex Stout.  A Nero Wolfe mystery.