Mike Dixon

Humphrey listened to an outpouring of legal dis-
course. The two were older than the other members of
their group. The man evidently felt a need to empty his
mind to someone of his own generation.
„Tim‟s mad but that woman makes him seem almost
normal. She‟s totally off her head. If this comes to court,
we‟ll be severely compromised.‟
„I didn‟t see what happened,‟ Humphrey said. „I wasn‟t
wearing my spectacles. My mask is corrected for un-
derwater vision.‟
„I‟m a solicitor,‟ the other said.
„Yes,‟ Humphrey yawned.
„I have a reputation to protect.‟
Humphrey took a swig of beer and tried to look sympathetic.
„The truth is … it‟s a matter for the police.‟
Humphrey wondered if the man knew that Janet was,
technically speaking, a police officer. He considered his
next remark before replying. „I understand the catama-
ran was in breach of the law and creating a dangerous
situation.‟
„The operators of that boat may indeed have been in
breach of the law. The paying passengers were not.
There are people I know amongst them – former clients.
Their safety was threatened by the indefensible behavior
of Tim and that crazy woman. I am deeply embar-
rassed.‟
Humphrey wondered why he should feel embarrassed
but didn‟t pursue the point. He found the legal profession
tiresome. The man‟s company was painful. He ex-
cused himself and wandered off to the toilet. Having relieved
himself, he drifted towards a table where some
girls were sitting.
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