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20
Unexpected help
On their last day in Crookhaven, the Fearsome Fivesome decided to go back to the aquarium. Postie reluctantly bought tickets for the first performance.
When Dilo swam into the main pool he recognised Debra immediately. He kept breaking off from his routine to swim or jump close to her. Then, just after the show had started, Dilo saw a man sit down quietly beside Debra. It was the diver from Sea Wolf.
When the show was over Debra started to cry. “Oh Postie,” she wailed between sniffles, “how can we go home and leave Dilo in this awful prison?”
Postie put his arm around her. Before he could reply the man sitting next to Debra, who had also stayed behind, spoke.
“Hello,” he said “I’m Ted Manson. I’m the diver who helped to catch Dilo and put him in ‘prison’ as you call it.”
“Well, now you’ve seen him, what are you going to do about it?” asked Debra, brushing the tears from her cheeks.
“I’ve seen the kind of life Dilo leads here and I’ve decided to help you get him out.”
“How?”
“I’m going to threaten to tell the authorities what really happened.”
“Come on then,” said Postie before the man changed his mind. “Let’s go and see the curator again.”
They stood up. But before they could move they were approached by two men. One of them was the curator.
“I heard you were back,” he said. “This is my legal advisor.”
“I’m glad you’ve brought him,” said Postie, “because I think you are going to need his advice. This is Mr Manson,” Postie continued, introducing the diver. “He is the man who caught Dilo in a net. Furthermore he is prepared to testify he did so. In a court of law if necessary.”
The diver then explained to everyone how Dilo had been captured during the night in Lighthouse Bay and then taken to Crookhaven. When he had finished the two men went to one side and had a serious whispered discussion. Eventually they returned.
“My client says that there seems to have been a misunderstanding. He says he always intended to return the dolphin to the sea once it had recovered from it’s unfortunate ordeal on the beach,” said the lawyer with gravity.
“And when does your client intend to return the dolphin to the sea?” asked Debra abruptly.
“That depends,” said the lawyer cautiously.
“Depends upon what?” responded Debra instantly.
“It depends upon whether or not Mr Manson wishes to make a statement about what allegedly happened before the dolphin was found on the beach.”
“Carry on,” said Debra looking him straight in the face.
“If Mr Manson decides to go to the authorities then a lengthy legal situation could ensue, during which time the dolphin would, of course remain in the aquarium.”
“And what if he doesn’t?” said Debra curtly.
“Should Mr Manson agree not to make any public accusations against my client, whose intention, I emphasise, has always been to return the dolphin to it’s natural environment, then my client would he prepared to give the matter top priority
“What you are saying,” said Postie. is that if we keep quiet about what happened. Dilo would be put back into the sea immediately.”
“Litigation, as you know, is a long and costly exercise. I do therefore strongly recommend this course of action.” He paused. Then continued. “ I am sure the media will find the release of the dolphin of interest. You and your friends would appear in the newspapers and on television. And the aquarium would benefit from the propagation of it’s ideals as sanctuary for sick sea mammals, as well as a place for education and entertainment.”
“What you are saying is that releasing the dolphin would he good publicity for your aquarium?” responded Postie.
“And would not your good selves find the experience agreeable?” questioned the lawyer with a false smile.
“Please tell your client that our good selves do not want to publicise his wretched aquarium. We do want Dilo put back in the sea immediately,” responded Debra hotly.
“Do I take it that this young lady’s view is shared by you all?” enquired the lawyer.
Everyone nodded. “Then I am sure my client will see to the matter immediately.”
“Tell your client that we don’t trust him,” sparked Debra. “And that we want to be there when it happens.”
The two men went into a huddle again.
“My client feels it may take some time to capture the dolphin. The usual procedure is to lower the water in the pool and that takes a full day.”
“Tell your client that will not be necessary.” retorted Debra. “I will persuade Dilo to go into the sling.”
“You, madam?” said the lawyer raising his eyebrows.
“Yes me. In case you didn’t know, Dilo and I are good friends. He will do what I wish if I ask him nicely.”
“Ask him, madam?” said the lawyer disbelievingly - once again raising his eyebrows.
“Yes, ask him,” said Debra with a pained expression on her face. It seemed obvious to her that Dilo would co-operate if it would lead to his freedom.
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