Footprints by Robert Rayner Page A

Mr. Meating.

12
    â€œRead it, Harp,” says Drumgold.
    Harper reads, “The Back River Front demands immediate, full and untrammeled...” He breaks off. “I’m still not sure about ‘untrammeled.’”
    â€œLeave it,” says Isora. “It sounds impressive, even if we don’t know what it means.”
    Harper starts again. “The Back River Front demands immediate, full and untrammeled access to Back River beach for all the people of the community, with no restrictions orconditions, and without security guards bothering anyone. Mr. Anderson, you have one week to comply with this ultimatum. If you do not show the beach is free by starting to take down the fence by May 31st, we will be forced to take further action, any undesirable consequences of which will be your responsibility, and not ours. Signed and delivered at midnight on May 24th by the members of BARF.”
    It’s the day after the abortive march. The members of BARF are working at Isora’s kitchen table. They’re still under strict instructions to go nowhere near the town centre.
    â€œNow we need Mr. Anderson’s address,” says Harper.
    â€œWe can’t mail it,” says Drumgold. “There’d be a postmark and the police would guess it was sent by someone from Back River.”
    â€œWe could go to Saint-Leonard and mail it from there.”
    â€œWhy don’t we just put it in one of those big red envelopes you get at the Dollar Store and tie it to the railings of the gates?” says Isora.
    â€œBrilliant,” says Drumgold.
    â€œOh sure,” says Harper. “Why don’t we knock at the door while we’re about it and ask Droopy and Diamond Head to please give the ultimatum to Mr. Anderson, and by the way, of course it’s nothing to do with us?”
    Isora reaches across the table and pats Harper’s hand. “Relax, Harp. No-one’s going to see us.”
    â€œLet’s see what Dexter thinks,” says Harper.
    â€œI don’t think he’s back yet,” says Isora. She opens the door to look across at Lully’s trailer and says over her shoulder, “He’s not. And I can hear George whining. I’m going over to let him out.”
    She takes the key from under the ceramic dog and opens Lully’s door. George flies out and disappears in the woodsbehind the trailer. When he returns, Isora takes him inside to feed him. The boys hover by the door.
    â€œYou can come in,” Isora calls. “Dex doesn’t mind.”
    â€œWhere’s he gone this time?” Drumgold asks.
    Isora points to a note on the kitchen table:
It’s late Friday night and I’ve decided to take a quick trip to see Mom for the weekend. Should be back Sunday night. I hope George behaves himself! Thanks, Isora, as always. Dex
.
    â€œHe’s strange, isn’t he?” says Harper.
    â€œHow d’you mean – strange?” says Isora.
    â€œYou know – working at the daycare, visiting his mom on weekends. He doesn’t act like someone who knows about political action and protests.”
    â€œAnd he didn’t speak at the meeting about the LNG plant, although he’s against it,” Drumgold adds.
    â€œBut he does know about that stuff,” Isora insists. “Look in here.” She opens the door of Dexter’s study, warning, “Don’t touch anything.”
    They peer around, standing just inside the door. Shelves, crammed with books, line one wall. More books are stacked in piles against another wall. A desk is strewn with papers covered with untidy handwriting.
    â€œIt looks like a library,” says Harper.
    Drumgold says, “Is he writing a book?” He crosses the room, peers at the papers, and says, “His handwriting’s worse than mine.”
    â€œWe shouldn’t read it,” says Isora. “It might be private.”
    There are books lying open on the desk. Drumgold