Light Up – Bentley 35

 

[For back story go here: Story so far at 30 Nov 2020 and definitely this one.]

[Relevant back story also in embedded links.]

The was a small part of Bentley which was a bit worried he'd over done it. As another box was dumped at his front door, along with a ring of the doorbell and the delivery person standing a dutiful two metres away as he opened up and hauled the box in, he did at least congratulate himself on being able to find a good supplier at this time of year. Or several good suppliers. Demand was high, but nowhere was it higher than at Bentley's flat. ‘Twas the season to be jolly, and for Bentley ’twas also the season for transforming his balcony into a light house.

As he rifled through this box he thought over where this particular item would end up. This was a life size Santa, rendered in 2D with a lighting sequence which showed the old man bending at the waist, a helpful Ho Ho Ho flashing alongside him. Bentley thought it would have to be hung from his bedroom window alongside the balcony since the balcony itself was pretty much full now and if it went anywhere that he could see the flashing lights he’d end up with a three week headache.

If Bentley had managed to grab his son's attention with a banner made from from a bedspread, this display of lights could land stray jumbo jets on the roof of his block. The array was undoubtedly impressive and had already caused sleepless night for many who lived nearby (Bentley finally agreeing to a ten thirty curfew). There were rope lights of course, reindeers – with and without red noses – three sleighs, two snowmen, countless stars, Christmas tree branches and holly pretty much everywhere. There was also a worried letter from the residents association asking if he were entering a competition, if this was to be an annual occurrence and even if it was to be expected on other occasions too.

But Bentley was happy. He had burned through nearly £1500 on the project – with a good percentage of that taken up with three and four way splitters daisy-chaining from half a dozen plug sockets around the house. He wouldn't spend all the money of course, he'd need some of it for when the electricity bill came in next month.

It took three days of assembling before Lawrence finally knocked on his door.

"Seasons Greetings," said Bentley, the bell on his Santa hat jingling as he opened the door.

"This isn't like you," began Lawrence, "is this just for my benefit?”

"I'm cheering up the whole neighbourhood," asserted Bentley, "if they'd only realise it.”

“Come on, dad,” said Lawrence. “You’re doing this for me, right?”

“Always want to do something for you at this time of year,” replied Bentley. “And I don’t know where you live so couldn’t send you a card.”

“I’m assuming this isn’t just about Christmas, though? You want to tell me about the Birdman?”

“News travels fast,” observed Bentley.

“Bad news,” added Lawrence. “You certain this is going to work?”

“I’m assuming a few things here,” said Bentley. “I’m assuming he’s got the ring. I’m assuming that is what this whole thing is about. I’m assuming you’re part of it too. How am I doing so far?”

“Not bad,” said Lawrence. “Not good either.”

“None of it is good,” said Bentley. “Have you got my cat?”

Lawrence said nothing. 

“Do you know who has got my cat?” said Bentley.

A flicker of recognition passed over Lawrence’s face.

“Where is the cat?” asked Bentley firmly. “You see these lights? There’s plenty more money to thrown at them if I need to. It’s no skin off my nose.”

Lawrence’s face twisted slightly. “What? Wait – how are you financing it?”

“A certain cardboard box.”

“You – you have to stop,” said Lawrence. “Seriously stop.”

“Make me,” said Bentley. “You and Birdman and whoever’s got my cat. You want me to do something you give me something in return. Make me stop or the entire lot will go up in lights.”

Lawrence looked conflicted and confused. Bentley was unable to guess what was going on in his head, but he congratulated himself on finally turning the tables on his adversaries. Whatever had been happening he felt like he was being played and at last, as he closed the door on Lawrence and put on the dark glasses that enabled him to rest in his own home, he felt he had the upper hand.