Page 101 of The Examiner

Wouldn’t it be funny if Alyson made a tribute to her husband?

Patrick Bright

She hasn’t lost him, I don’t think.

Jem Badhuri

If he’s found out about her affair, he could have filed for divorce. Have you noticed anything interesting?

Patrick Bright

I haven’t, but I’m not as sharp as you.

Jem Badhuri

When was the last time you saw Alyson?

Patrick Bright

A couple of days ago.

Jem Badhuri

Where was she? Did she speak to you?

Patrick Bright

In the foyer of the Media Arts building. She was talking to someone from the BA course. A youngish chap with long hair. I took it she’d been in the studio all night and was on her way home.

Jem Badhuri

And yet I’ve taken a photograph of her workstation every morning since the middle of last term and it’s not changed at all. Mum and Dad compared all the pictures and that’s what they say.

Patrick Bright

She’s quite tidy, though. It’s possible she’s working here at night, but has another commission she’s doing at home during the day. It doesn’t surprise me if she’s outgrown the course. She was always strides ahead of us.

Jem Badhuri

If you ask me, Gela only loves Alyson because she’s good publicity for the MA.

Patrick Bright

No one is asking you, Jem. NO ONE. People cut you too much slack, but you’d do well to mind your own fucking business.

Jem Badhuri’s Doodle Diary, 15 April 2024:

When someone is very nice – I mean super-friendly and helpful – it can be because they’re people-pleasers. They don’t really want to help you, but feel they should and will avoid confrontation at all costs. I’m sure it eats away at them until they’re driven to breaking point and snap. They care more about being liked than they do about their own health and well-being. I’m not a people-pleaser.

The trouble with people-pleasers is you never know what they’re really thinking and feeling, because half the time they don’t know themselves. I’ve always got along with Patrick, but in the six months we’ve been on this course I haven’t learned a single personal thing about him. He has an art shop, wants to retire back to his roots in Ireland and realise his dream of being an artist. That’s it. I’ve asked him plenty of questions over the months. I’ve asked if he’s married; or has any children, brothers and sisters; whether his parents are alive. He’s replied every time but, thinking about it, he’s never actually answered any of those questions.

He’s a lovely, gentle man who’s a pleasure to work alongside, but he’s a people-pleaser and he’ll do anything to avoid the truth, if the truth is unpalatable or ugly.

I feel quite proud I got him to snap at me on Doodle. Where did that come from? Anger, exasperation or fear? I know one thing for sure now – I can’t confide in Patrick any more. This may be a course that helps develop teamwork skills, but as far as my suspicions about Alyson’s disappearance are concerned, I’m on my own.

Patrick Bright’s Doodle Diary, 15 April 2024:

Jonathan is getting to me. He’s off his rocker. This is the very time we need to pull together and he’s jeopardising it for everyone. We all have our roles to play and our jobs to do, and obsessing over that voice is not helpful to anyone. He tunes in every day. Records it, writes it down, pores over the words. Ludya is in no position to help him and I won’t even ask her. I’ve snapped at Jem on Doodle and feel rotten. She has a ruthless streak and I don’t want her plotting against me. She may be young and naïve, but shit sticks if you throw it.