Fred Elliot sat in deep conversation with Bet Lynch at the bar of the Rovers Return. He had only recently been introduced to the onetime landlady and legendary barmaid of that establishment but he had become quite attached to her. She had by all accounts put on weight and become even more bitter than she once was but Fred didn't care. He had already decided that by hook or by crook Bet would be his new manager and much more besides. She wore a tight fitting black dress and leopard-skin wrap. Although she filled the dress well Fred noticed it looked a little tatty, even threadbare in places. His mind worked fast.
"Bet love" he drawled " I was wondering if you'd given my proposal a little more thought, you know, about running this place for me. I'd make sure you got well above going rate. Ah say it'd keep you going whilst court case settles eh??"
"Thing is chuck. I'd love to help out but I've only got this old rag to wear and I'd have to keep up with my staff. That Geena and Shelley are always looking so sexy" Bet said winking at him.
"Oh them two, well ah ah ah suppose I could run to buying you a few things just get you started. A loan mind!" replied Fred hesitantly.
"You won't regret it love believe me. By eck is it that time already" she said looking at her watch. "Would you like me to stay behind with Geena and Shelley just to get acquainted like?"
"Well why don't I lock up and I'll keep them behind for a little pep talk about who's going to be boss around here. - TIME GENTLEMEN PLEASE" he bawled as he ushered the last few regulars outside.
Bet had introduced herself to Geena and Shelley and was talking to the girls in the back room when Fred had finished getting rid of the last few customers.
"Right lets open a couple of bottles to celebrate me finding you a new boss," said Fred.
"WHAT!!!!" exclaimed both girls in unison.
"You can't be seriously getting someone in when we've both been knocking our pans out to impress you" moaned Shelley.
"Yeh" said Geena "She's an old has been. What's she got that we don't?"