Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt by Whittaker Harry & Riley Lucinda

Author:Whittaker, Harry & Riley, Lucinda
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Box Press
Published: 2023-05-11T00:00:00+00:00

That afternoon’s trip to the Empire State Building was postponed as I recovered from the trauma of the morning. ‘I’m only glad that you weren’t there, Elle. I’m not sure I would have been able to protect you.’

‘Oh Bo. I can’t believe it. This is supposed to be a holiday, and you managed to walk straight into danger.’ She gently stroked my hair. ‘But let’s try and forget the disappointment of Eugene Meyer and the drama of the protest, and enjoy our week away. It’s so special to be here with you.’

Elle and I spent the next five days exploring ‘the Big Apple’. It was an amazing city which pulsated with energy and gave the inhabitants the impression that they were in the centre of the universe. New York had the tallest buildings, the biggest shopping centres and the largest plates of food I had ever witnessed in my life. After years of British rationing, my eyes practically bulged at the size of the beef burgers and mountains of french fries which were presented to diners.

I think the thing I loved most about the city was the positivity exuded by its citizens. They had recently endured the economic downturn of the Great Depression and involvement in the second global conflict. Nonetheless, nearly everyone we met brimmed with a cheerful confidence, and it was a delight to experience.

One day before Elle and I were due to board the Queen Mary and return home, the telephone in our hotel bedroom rang.

Elle answered. ‘Hello?... Yes, he’s just here.’ She shrugged and passed me the receiver.

‘Mr Tanit?’ said a vaguely familiar English voice.

‘Speaking,’ I replied.

‘Oh, wonderful! I’m so thrilled that I’ve finally managed to track you down. I’ve telephoned just about every hotel in Manhattan!’

‘Apologies, but who’s calling?’ I asked.

There was a giggle on the other end of the line. ‘I’m so sorry, Mr Tanit. It’s Cecily Huntley-Morgan here. I’m the silly woman you rescued the other day at the civil rights protest in Harlem.’

‘Oh, Hello,’ I replied, a little surprised. ‘How are you?’

‘My ankle’s slightly bruised, but I’m feeling much better now I’ve found you! Your card had the address of your bookshop in London, but I wanted to thank you personally for saving me. So I’ve been ringing hotels to ask if they have a Mr Tanit staying.’

It was my turn to give a laugh. ‘That’s a very sweet thought, Cecily, but I did what anyone would. I’m glad you’re all right.’

‘That’s not true, Mr Tanit. People were clambering all over me. You, however, saw a fellow human in need and stopped to help. I am indebted to you, and should like to treat you to lunch.’

Cecily’s warm voice put me at ease, but I didn’t wish to be any bother to her. ‘That really won’t be necessary, thank you. I really do appreciate the sentiment, though.’

‘Sorry, I won’t take no for an answer. How are you fixed for this afternoon at the Waldorf?’

‘I…’

‘And was that your wife I spoke to a moment ago?’

‘It was.

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