Tammy : Vernon Farm Tammyverse Book 16   Chapter Two By Shiraz Turvey Also available on Kindle

Chapter 2 Tempus Fugit

Tuesday 14th August 2018 – Wedding day minus four

Tammy landed shortly before midday and moved the plane to just outside the main Smart Air hanger. She very quickly did her post-flight whilst Maisie drove Suzie home in Tammy’s car.

Tammy handed the log to Jim along with the keys.

“The fridge will need a clean. We put a curry in there but hit a pocket of turbulence, some of the sauce spilt. Sorry.”

“Can you clean it? You know where the bleach is!”

“I would do but I have an incoming and an appointment! I had best grab a radio.”

Tammy quickly called the tower and let them know she was expecting an inbound chopper.

“Yes, Miss Smart, we have it on final approach.”

“Thanks. Please direct them to our helipad.”

“Will do.”

Ten minutes later an AgustaWestland AW109 was on the ground. Tammy approached the pilot’s door as the blades slowed, head dipped. She recognised the face.

“Diane?”

“Sure, Tammy?”

“Yep, welcome back to Wick.”

“I took a spin over the lighthouse at John o' Groats on the way in, you really are at the top of the country!”

“Sure.”

Diane pointed at the nearby plane. “Is that the Epic I delivered last year?”

“It definitely is, I flew up from London this morning.”

“Great. Anyway, I need the ladies room if you can point me, I’ve only been here the once before!”

Tammy took a look in the cockpit whilst waiting for Diane.

“Okay I have an envelope for you and I need to explain a few things. You have have a ticket for this?”

“Yes, but the ink’s still wet!”

“Fair enough. They’ve added a military radio and a Squawk box, quite why you need them is beyond me, but I’m paid to deliver not to question!”

“Sure, sounds like the best plan.”

“Oh, there’s limited storage in these birds but there’s a secure box under the co-pilot seat. The code is in the envelope.”

She retrieved the envelope from her bag and handed it over. Tammy noted the registration that was printed on the envelope: G-KTFQ. Her Epic was G-KTFL.

“Now, when I was last here I had the most ridiculous slow journey South. Is there anyway you can drop me at Aberdeen?”

“Sure, what’s the fuel situation?”

“I refilled at Aberdeen on the way in, there’s enough for the return trip with spare.”

“I like the idea of spare.” Tammy laughed. “Let me just tell Jim what I’m doing as my fiancée will be back with my car soon.”

“Wedding plans?”

“Saturday. Dress fitting is in two hours!”

“Whoops, bad timing!”

“I didn’t get a choice, my wedding planner has it all organised.”

“Is she good?”

“Mostly, but she’s family!”

Tammy skipped to the office and explained the rescheduled lunchtime plan to Jim, promising to be back as soon as possible.

Tammy strapped in and checked the tanks as Diane walked around to the other side. Tammy called the tower and gave her flightplan as Aberdeen & back before entering the data in the log.

A minute or so later they were in the air and Tammy turned South.

“You didn’t use the auto navigation?”

“I did this route twice a day for three weeks until last Friday in my little CzechSport.”

“That’s also yours? Who owns the company?”

“My dad, but I have 40%.”

Tammy switched the military radio on and set a squawk that she’d used before.

“This is Thistle Maiden, inbound to Aberdeen.”

“Thistle Maiden, this is Viper One?”

“Viper One, nice to make your acquaintance again.”

“Yep, got you, that was a fun flight a few months back. Looks like you’re a civilian flight today?”

“Looks can be deceiving.”

“Indeed, Viper One out.”

Diane shook her head. “What was that?”

“Wait.”

An Apache now passed overhead and took up a position ahead. Tammy was close enough to see the pilot wave as she took evasive action.

“That was a US Air Force bloody Apache!”

“Possibly the same as the one I flew earlier this year, same pilot anyway.”

“Just who do you work for, Tammy?”

“I work for myself, Diane, just myself.”

“And I thought that Darth Vader guy was odd!”

“You collected this from him?”

“Sure, from a place near Liverpool yesterday.”

Tammy keyed the normal radio and made contact with NATS,

“Acknowledged TFQ, cleared to land on 36.”

“Cleared to land 36, dropping pax, immediate departure. TFQ”

She touched down at Aberdeen without further incident.

“There’s a bus from here into the city for the station.”

“Great, thanks, and you fly just fine.”

“And you never saw the Apache!”

“Sure, no-one would believe me, and I’ve had some weird jobs!”

Tammy debated contacting Lizzie but decided that would generate too many questions. As it stood, she and Thomas Staines were due to take the train later in the week.

She contacted the tower but had to wait a few minutes before she was given permission to lift off.

Once clear of the airport, and at the correct altitude, Tammy decided to see what the AW109 was capable of; on the flight down she had kept to the cruise airspeed of 177mph.

She simultaneously pushed the cyclic forward and pulled the collective to max and was rewarded with 193mph, it wasn’t much faster but it would shave a few minutes off her return flight at the expense of fuel. She had already noted the two auxiliary tanks, which were still full although the main tank would be down to 10% by the time she landed.

Her car was back outside the Smart Air hanger when she landed, and Maisie was waiting.

“Where have you been?”

“A quick run to Aberdeen and back to drop Diane there. She delivered this helo.”

“Oh, okay, whose is it?”

Tammy recalled that Maisie hadn’t seen the helicopter previously, when Burgess had owned it. “Ours now.”

Tammy completed the log then opened the envelope. A fuel card fell out.

“Vernon Flight Services? Who is that?”

Her phone rang, Tammy answered it.

“That’s us. It’s a charge card and you’ll be expected to contribute to it.”

“Yes Kerri.”

“Use it to refill this time, on us, but you get the next one.”

“Thanks, I guess the auxiliaries are a retro fit?”

“Yes, the extra tanks are to extend your range; that’s now 480 nautical miles at cruising. If you push it to max then that drops to a little over 400. You can’t pull over if it runs dry!”

“Sure, thanks, but I have an appointment right now and no time for the technicals!”

“Give Maisie a hug for me.”

“Will do.”

Tammy killed the call and turned to the Smart Air operations boss to give a few explanations.

“Jim, sorry, but as you have probably guessed I gained a helicopter of my own today!”

“Indeed, who owns it?”

“As far as I can tell, I do, and there’s current insurance according to the paperwork I’ve seen. For now I’d like to park it here, next to my CzechSport?”

“Sure, and in the longer term?”

“That’s to be determined. Oh, can you arrange for the main tank to be filled? Use this card.”

“It’s cheaper to use our own tank than the airport bowser, I’ll bill you, settle it directly.”

“Sure, thanks.”

“Sort out the arrangements with your father.”

“Yes, Jim. Oh, one other thing? Does anyone around here provide offshore drones services?”

“Not as far as I know.”

“Thanks. Maisie, let’s go.”

Maisie drove Tammy’s Mini Cooper back, and wasn’t hanging around.

“Why the speed?”

“I don’t want to be late, growing up I doubted I would ever wear a wedding dress, and now it’s happening I don’t want to miss it.”

Maisie started to cry and Tammy became a little concerned about her handling of the car but Maisie reduced speed as she dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

“Sorry, but the girls at school had some fantasy about getting married but I could never see it back then. Now it’s real and my mum’s not here to fuss.”

Somehow they made it to the little square behind the Smart Properties office. The girls made their way up the stairs into the office where Sarah and Joey were waiting.

“It’s about time, ladies!”

“We were in London this morning!”

“And you knew exactly where you needed to be at two o’clock today? I’ve been waiting for you!”

Tammy looked at the office clock, they were barely five minutes late; she shrugged.

“Strip!”

Tammy wasn’t worried about Sarah but Joey had never seen her undressed. She stripped regardless, down to bra and panties.

“Joey, please measure them. Tammy, get that bra off!”

The girls had been measured weeks before, by Sarah, and it had been assumed that Maisie’s sizing might change. It hadn’t.

“Tammy you have put nearly an inch on your waist, what have you been doing?”

Maisie got in first. “Not exercising!”

“I see, is it worth getting a corset?”

Tammy wasn’t certain whether Sarah was joking. “Absolutely no! It’s difficult to exercise when you’re flying planes or helicopters? Don’t forget I have been on a course for the past three weeks.”

“Then I suggest you don’t put any more weight on!”

“Yes, Sarah.”

Joey giggled, Tammy let it pass.

The two dresses weren’t identical but were definitely a match. They had agreed not to go for traditional white but were ivory; Maisie had asked to keep a bra on so had a scoop neck to accommodate the straps whilst Tammy’s was strapless.

Tammy’s hem was also shorter, sitting just above the knee, whilst Maisie’s dress ended an inch or so below her knees.

Both of the girls would have new lingerie for the day in ivory.

Maisie was attended to first, with a long zip up the back; Sarah was quite satisfied with the fit. Maisie was able to redress in her own clothes whilst Tammy was still stood in just knickers.

“Okay, missus, stop fretting.”

“Yes, Sarah.”

Tammy stepped into the dress and it was gently pulled up. The zip was in the side under a buttoned flap, so when Sarah had finished fussing, and had taken a step backwards, the zipper had disappeared.

“Looks good, despite your tummy!”

Tammy looked down, there wasn’t a tummy on show, but there was a very obvious cleavage.

“Maisie, what do you think?”

“Yeah, you’ll do, just.”

“Oh well, I tried, I guess I can always head into Edinburgh and buy one there? Let me out and I’ll see if my plane’s ready.”

Sarah seemed horrified. “No, Tammy, it’s fine, you look fantastic.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“Sorry, I was winding you up, sorry, sorry.”

“Really?”

“Yes, yes, yes. And no modifications are needed, it’s a good fit.”

“Good. I’m out of air time right now. Can we get some photos done please?”

After they posed for the photos Sarah helped the girls back out of their dresses, returning them to protecting bags, before hooking the dresses on the rail. She now pulled a lilac dress off the rail and removed its covering.

“Joey, strip, this one’s for you!”

Tammy had almost finished redressing. “Does anyone fancy a coffee?” She walked over to the office corner where the kettle lived and threw the switch.

It was almost four when the girls arrived at Highland Furniture, the manager invited them immediately into his office, putting the closed sign on the door.

“We won’t be disturbed, hopefully. Now, Miss Smart, what are your plans?”

“We’ve bought the farmhouse at Vernon Farm and plan to move there as soon as it’s vacant. We need the extra space and we’re building a new business up there.

“Oh?”

Maisie responded “I should have a dedicated fitness centre ready in the autumn.”

“I see, but so far as the house there is concerned, do you just want three king-size bedroom sets?”

“Plus rugs, hampers, bookcases – oh – and a single set for a small room.”

“Did you want to take measurements first?”

“No, we’ll chop and change as necessary.”

“Did you want to identify anything from the shop that you’ll want and I’ll price this up. I can take a sum now and leave it open if you think of anything else, Miss Smart?”

“That will be fine.”

- o -

That evening Maisie had Tammy running a route around the streets of Thurso; Tammy knew she was out of shape and just running wouldn’t fix that but it was a start.

Before the pair retired for the night Tammy retrieved the envelope that Sean MacTaggart had given them the previous afternoon. She slid a envelope opener under the flap and pulled out a letter.

A cheque for £2,500 fell out, the covering letter simply explained that the Colonel had no idea what to get the girls and was doing this in a personal capacity. Tammy had a box file labelled ‘Wedding Stuff’ and dropped these items in there, to be actioned after the wedding.

- o -

Wednesday started with a 10am meeting with Cathy in the Castletown Hotel. Tammy and Maisie had cycled down but had changed at the office into more feminine attire.

Frances was still the hotel manager and of course he fussed over the ladies who had already arrived. Suzie and Angela joined them a few minutes later, ordering their coffees at the bar.

“Sorry, we had to avoid mum before we could run to the car. She wants to know everything and wasn’t happy when she found Sarah’s shop was closed yesterday afternoon! Anyway, her shrink will keep her busy after lunch.”

“Okay, girls, all of you are having a waxing today, Tammy and Maisie this morning, Angela and Suzie this afternoon. You are all also having a cut and blow dry except for Angela who needs a recolour. Those are all booked. Okay?”

They already knew about the appointments but nodded.

“Angela and Suzie you need to see Sarah about your dresses, I suggest you do that when we’re finished here. Most of the rest of the girls will have the same tomorrow but Florence and Daisy won’t need waxing.”

The last two coffees were now delivered.

“Sarah, Sandy, Debbie and Joanne will be at my house on Saturday morning to help everyone get dressed, get hair and make-up done and to let me have an easier time.”

“Come on, Cathy, who are you looking after on the day?”

“Your mum.”

“Oh dear.”

“She’ll be out of your hair, right?”

“Sure, thanks.”

“Maisie, will your father need any help?”

“Absolutely no, he’s a proud man and very independent.”

“Fine, I believe he and Lizzie are arriving Friday morning, as are several of the special guests.”

Tammy smiled, once the date had been fixed she’d very quickly sent wedding invites to a few select friends. The whole event was meant to be ‘family and friends’ with no general invitation. For that, Cathy was grateful.

Maisie had a very small circle of friends and had only invited one of the PT instructors she’d known at Catterick, who she had kept in touch with. All the rest had shipped out to Helmund Province and she’d heard nothing since. If it hadn’t have been for Tammy, Maisie herself would also have been in Afghanistan.

Half an hour later they were all ready to head off, mostly to appointments.

“Let me know if there are any problems, everything should have been paid for. Otherwise I’ll see you all here at ten in the morning.”

Tammy had simply given Cathy £10,000 and asked her to book everything, that way it was all covered, at least that was the hope by doing everything in house.

At the salon Maisie was the first into Joanne’s torture chamber. Tammy sat into Sandy’s chair and looked at herself in the large salon mirror.

“What are we doing, Tammy?”

“Not sure, Sandy, it’s been a while.”

“How are you going to wear your hair for the wedding?”

“Hmmm….”

“Okay, what does your dress look like?”

Tammy checked the salon before responding, only Debbie, Sandy’s elder daughter, could be seen.

“Cream, almost ivory, and strapless. Oh, I have photos!”

Sandy had a good look at the pics.

“I see, so what if we swept it all back with an ivory and cream band?”

“Yes, can you give me a demi wave?”

“Sure, I think we have time, and yes, that would look good. Your hair is rather bleached, what about putting some colour back into it?”

“No, I’ll start to look artificial!”

“Instead of washed out?”

“Okay, how about a light brunette?

“Sure, I hope you weren’t planning to go anywhere for the next few hours?”

“Probably not!”

“Okay, I’ll mix up the dye whilst Debbie makes a start on your your nails, did you want a colour on them? We’ll do them again on Saturday morning, of course.”

“Just a lilac for now.”

“Sure, Tammy.”

By the time Maisie was out of Joanne’s room Tammy was sat with her hair wrapped around curlers. Debbie was giving her a pedicure.

“I guess, Tammy, you aren’t ready for me?”

“You guess correctly, Joanne. Sandy probably won’t be done for another two or three hours.”

“Fair enough, I want to see Sarah about my frock for Saturday, and I already know about yours!”

Tammy shrugged, Joanne hadn’t ever broken a confidence where Tammy had been involved, so probably wasn’t going to spread the information. Maisie, however, had probably been the source of that gem under torture, so very forgiveable.

Debbie fetched lunch from the bakery for everyone, at Tammy’s expense; it included cakes.

Maisie had disappeared home by the time Tammy eventually emerged from the waxing room mid afternoon.

Back home Tammy told Maisie what she’d had for lunch.

“I need to get you fit again, and you must stick to your diet plan!”

“Yes, boss.”

“We’ll go for a run at four.”

Tammy disappeared up to her office to tackle a pile of outstanding emails. Her phone rang.

“Yes, Lizzie?”

“Can you fly up and collect us on Thursday or Friday?”

“Oh, sure, I’ve got loads of time, Lizzie, it’s not as if it’s the biggest social event of my ruddy life this weekend?”

“Oh, I was just asking …?”

“Had you checked if there was an aircraft available?”

“Well, you could always use your two seater?”

“For both you and Thomas? Ha! Luggage is limited to one small bag. No, Lizzie, no. You can catch the train.”

Tammy killed the call.

Tammy was adamant that, other than Jim and her father, no-one locally should know about the AgustaWestland helicopter yet, so Lizzie couldn’t have been fishing for a ride in it. Then Tammy realised there had been another voice in the background, whispering to Lizzie,

She called Thomas Staines.

“Hello Tammy.”

“Thomas, do you know where Lizzie is?”

“No, she went out a few hours ago saying she had training.”

“Well, she doesn’t, but I’ve been too busy to handle it.”

“Oh, I had a delivery today and a nice letter from a Colonel.”

“Colonel MacTaggart by chance?”

“Yes, it seems there has been a re-assessment of my dismissal and my rank has been restored to me. Apparently I’ll get another letter in a day or so.”

“That is great news, and thanks, you have given me an idea.”

“No problem, we’ll see you on Friday as arranged.”

Tammy called Lizzie back.

“Er, yes?”

“Your dress uniform is required on Saturday, get it cleaned and get yourself to a hairdresser. Understood?”

“It doesn’t fit me.”

“Since when?”

“Since two months ago, maybe longer.”

“Get another uniform.”

“Why?”

“It’s an order.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Lieutenant Harrison, I expect respect. You are required to be in uniform on Saturday. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes.”

Tammy killed the call before she really did blow her top.

The run with Maisie was exactly what Tammy needed to de-stress and get Lizzie out of her system but, before leaving the house, she had submitted a report to Commander Traeger and the Colonel.

A problem shared etc. Then it was time to join Maisie for that run.

On their second loop Tammy had loosened up enough to enjoy the endorphins that were being released and insisted on a third loop.

Her phone was in a bum bag and it rang as they were home bound.

“Yes Commander?”

“What actions are you considering for the lieutenant?”

“Nothing as it stands, Sir, I had submitted that report to inform you but I’m not certain it’s appropriate to take any action yet.”

“I think insolence, refusing the command of an officer and not keeping uniform in a fit state are grounds alone for disciplinary action, Captain?”

“I’m afraid I may be partly responsible, Sir, as I placed the lieutenant in a civilian environment without full supervision.”

“That placement was signed off, Captain, according to her file.”

“Yes, Sir. Can I make a suggestion before any direct action is taken?”

“Go ahead.”

“As my report states, I have ordered Lt Harrison to attend my wedding in dress uniform, which I believe is appropriate?”

“It is indeed.”

“Then I suggest we wait to see what she is wearing on the day? It is entirely plausible that she could present herself in uniform?”

“Indeed. For information, I will be driving the Colonel, he is staying the previous night at Fort George. I believe you are familiar with the location?”

“I am, in fact it is where I met my fiancée.”

“Yes, I read the report, Captain. One additional matter that you may not be aware of, the Colonel is bringing a family member with him, she is familiar with Thurso apparently.”

“Ah, thank you, is there a name for her?”

“No, I’m afraid not. Regarding the lieutenant, we will wait and see. As you are on leave from tomorrow I hope you don’t mind if I handle any disciplinary matters?”

“Not at all Commander, so long as the Colonel and myself are kept informed.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“My pleasure, Captain.”

 
 
Tammy: Vernon Farm is also available on Amazon Kindle. This is the 16th book in the Tammy series.

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D96XMY2W
US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D96XMY2W
CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D96XMY2W
AUS https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D96XMY2W
DE https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0D96XMY2W

 
The 17th book, All At Sea, is also now out! There's plenty more Tammy in the works - including Book 18 Tammy:Isolation and Book 19 Tammy:Nemesis. Book 20 is in production.
 
Shiraz