Sergeant Sheep
Investigates
Alex was ready to resume the rehearsal. But to his disgust, there were even more empty chairs than there had been previously. Spaniel had strolled in as the music was being handed out. Alex had shot him a sideways glance but he explained that he'd been to Errol's house to try and retrieve a missing band jacket. There was still no sign of Gemma, Wayne or Katrina. Alex decided that it was time to play "Baa Baa Black Sheep" to try and lift the spirits of those who had bothered to settle down promptly for the second half, as it had a bit in the middle where the band could put down their instruments and sing.
Wayne walked in during the first chorus of this piece from the back entrance. Apparently he'd had the urge to go to the toilet but then couldn't get it to flush. Immediately after this, Gemma returned too, clutching a bag of sweets and a bottle of orange pop. Alex stopped the rehearsal at this point to remonstrate once more with the band. After an apology from Wayne and a silent, blank look from Gemma, he asked if anyone knew the reason for Katrina's early departure. As usual, a question from the conductor received no response - then Rodney mumbled, "I think she said something about having to go early".
"Typical", Helen interjected. "What possible reason could she have? It's the middle of the summer holidays!"
By this point, Alex was almost at his wits end and, to cut short any further discussion on the subject, resumed the rehearsal without any further delay. He rattled through the pieces that were on his stand and finished the rehearsal early at twenty past nine.